CONAKRY, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Security forces have restored calm in Kaloum, central Conakry, and road traffic has resumed, although flows toward the downtown area remain lighter than usual, following gunfire near the central prison earlier Tuesday, a Xinhua reporter at the scene said.
Gunfire was first heard around Conakry's central prison at about 0930 GMT in the Coronthie neighborhood of Kaloum, the administrative and economic hub of the Guinean capital, which hosts the presidential palace and government offices, according to local media.
Witnesses reported that elements of the special forces exchanged fire with other armed soldiers in the Coronthie area, where the central prison is located. Media reports also said a group of special forces soldiers allegedly intervened in an attempt to extract Commander Toumba Diakite from custody.
According to sources, Diakite was removed from Conakry Central Prison while hooded and later driven to an unknown location. No official confirmation was immediately available.
Diakite, whose full name is Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in July 2024 in connection with the trial over the Sept. 28, 2009 stadium massacre in Conakry. Local media reported that more than 150 people were killed during the rally at the stadium. ■