Heavy gunfire heard in Guinea capital, troops on streets

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Heavy gunfire was heard in Guinea’s capital Conakry on Sunday morning, according to media reports.

The Radio France International said the shots were attributed by sources to soldiers belonging to a special forces unit.

Authorities in the West African country were yet to comment, but the report said soldiers driving at high speed were seen on the streets near the presidential palace and are urging residents to stay home.

Local media quoted a military source as saying the only bridge connecting the mainland to the Kaloum neighborhood, which houses most of the ministries and the presidential palace, had been sealed off and many soldiers, some heavily armed, were posted around the palace.

According to media reports, a senior government official said President Alpha Conde was unharmed but gave no further details.