Intense gunfire erupted near the central prison in Conakry, Guinea’s capital, drawing significant attention and prompting a swift response from security forces. Reports indicate that heavy security measures were enacted following the alarming sounds of sustained gunfire heard on February 10, 2026.
The source of the shooting remains unclear, and as of now, authorities have not provided any official statements regarding the incident. Eyewitness accounts reveal that military vehicles, including armed pick-up trucks and an armored carrier equipped with a machine gun, were seen patrolling the central administrative area known as Kaloum, where the presidential palace is also situated.
An AFP journalist observed that a combination of police officers and special forces effectively cordoned off access to the area surrounding the prison during the early hours of Tuesday. However, by later in the day, access routes to the prison were reopened for the public. Additionally, multiple armored vehicles belonging to the special forces were stationed in front of the prison, while several ambulances were reported to have departed from the site.
Thierno Balde, an accountant residing nearby, recounted his experience: "I heard the sound of vehicles rushing past. I quickly went to the window and was startled by the automatic gunfire." His account aligns with those of other witnesses who shared similar observations.
The gunfire reportedly commenced shortly before 9 AM (09:00 GMT) and persisted for over thirty minutes with rapid shots ringing through the air. Abdouramane Doukoure, a retired civil servant, described his harrowing encounter while driving past the prison when he suddenly heard the gunshots. Caught in traffic, he noted that everyone in the vicinity scrambled in different directions to escape the chaos.
Another resident living adjacent to the prison reported hearing gunfire coming from within the facility but stated, "As we speak, things have calmed down." However, this individual expressed concern, adding, "But we don’t know for how long."
Guinea's central prison has a history marked by violent incidents. Notably, in 2023, a violent jailbreak occurred, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals. This incident briefly involved armed commandos freeing former President Moussa Dadis Camara, illustrating the prison's troubled reputation.
