Campaign clashes injure 24 as Guinea prepares for legislative election, government says

Published January 13, 2015

A government spokesman in Guinea says clashes between rival supporters campaigning for upcoming legislative elections have injured 24 in the capital.

Damantang Albert Camara, speaking on a radio program Monday morning, said the government was still trying to restore order and blamed the violence on "hooligans."

Security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds in several sections of Conakry on Sunday night after violence first broke out in the Bambeto neighborhood between supporters of President Alpha Conde's ruling party and the opposition. Both sides blamed the other for instigating the clashes.

The West African nation is gearing up for hotly contested legislative elections scheduled for Saturday. Repeated delays dating back to 2007 have left the country without a functioning legislature and issues surrounding the vote have fueled violent protests.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/campaign-clashes-injure-24-as-guinea-prepares-for-legislative-election-government-says