Guinea: When a rumor of an attack on the presidency makes Conakry tremble

An explosion of panic shook Conakry on September 26, fueled by rumors of gunfire at the presidency. Assailants reportedly clashed with special forces in Kaloum, the heart of Guinean power. The confusion was total, exacerbated by rumors on social networks. But the government quickly denied it: "no coup d'état", just a bad wind of collective panic as explained here . This incident demonstrates that post-coup Guinea remains a pressure cooker, where the slightest spark ignites the atmosphere.

When rumor becomes master

It only takes a few gunshots to destabilize a city like Conakry. The usually calm Kaloum neighborhood was transformed into a scene of real collective hysteria. Messages circulated, speaking of rebel soldiers attacking the presidential palace. Some even dared to mention a new putsch. But in the end, the mountain gave birth to a mouse. What really happened? Eleven soldiers, supposedly disgruntled, allegedly opened fire on their colleagues from the special forces. Three of the attackers were shot dead, eight others captured. Nothing more. An incident quickly contained, but the damage was already done as mentioned here .

Social media amplified this false alarm at the speed of a snap of a finger. Residents, plunged into post-traumatic stress following the multiple coups of recent years, reacted en masse. Markets emptied, schools closed, and all of Kaloum was paralyzed by fear. Which shows that, despite the reassuring statements of the authorities, the country remains on hot coals.

A past that haunts the present

A country's collective trauma can take hold in a lasting way. Guinea is still in the grip of the 2021 coup d'état that saw the dismissal of Alpha Condé by Colonel Doumbouya detailed here . Since then, stability has remained fragile, tensions latent. The slightest sound of boots, real or imagined, brings back the bitter memories of periods of chaotic transition for Guineans.

On September 26, the disproportionate reaction to the incident reveals a clear lack of trust in the government. Despite promises of security, the people remain on guard. It is no exaggeration to say that the fear of a return to periods of instability is still palpable. In the blink of an eye, a simple rumor can tip the social order, demonstrating the precariousness of recent gains.

The government faces its contradictions

The Doumbouya administration may claim that everything is under control, but this event is a reminder of how volatile the situation is. The rapid announcement of arrests and deaths among the attackers was not enough to calm the general anxiety. It must be said that the Guinean authorities are not known for their transparency, and this lack of trust often backfires on them. The muddled communication surrounding this incident only served to worsen the confusion.

Some point to the lack of deep reforms since Doumbouya took power. The colonel-president promised elections, strong institutions and a rapid transition to democracy. But there is still a long way to go, and each incident is a reminder of the extent to which Guinean power is on a tightrope , as revealed by Jeune Afrique .

Conclusion: A crisis of confidence

Ultimately, this heatwave reveals more than just a localized rebellion. It is a symptom of the deep malaise that is eating away at Guinean society. Institutions are fragile, and the people live in perpetual expectation of the next political earthquake. Fear, fueled by decades of coups, is far from disappearing. And as long as the promised reforms are slow to see the light of day, Guinea will continue to walk on eggshells.

In the meantime, rumor remains king , as evidenced here .