Guinea - Coup d'État

Updated 09/09/2021

Please find below the latest update from Club Correspondents Budd Group regarding the Coup d'État in Guinea. 

QUOTE

Although the situation in Conakry is still unpredictable, we are pleased to advise that:

  • Cargo handling operations in the port of Conakry have now resumed;
  • The airport has reopened and some airlines have resumed flights;
  • All Guinean ports outside Conakry (e.g. Kamsar) remain fully operational.

Delays in court activities may occur depending on the personal decisions of the magistrates concerned.

UNQUOTE

06.09/2021

Members are alerted to the above incident which took place on Tuesday morning, and to the potential repercussions on Members’ vessels trading to the country. We understand that the country’s air and land borders were to be closed, and cargo operations at the port could be disrupted. Please refer to the message of 06.09.21 below from the Club’s local correspondents for additional details. The latest situation is unclear but further updates will be provided as and when received. In the meantime, if Members have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your usual Club contact.

QUOTE

Rebels in Conakry today

After shooting was heard near the presidential palace in Conakry this morning, Guinea's Special Forces announced on social media that they had captured President Alpha Condé and were taking control of the country.  They added that all land and air borders were to be closed.

A video showing the President with rebels was also sent to Agence France Press.  He appeared to be in good health but refused to answer the rebels' questions.

Some minutes later, the Ministry of Defence issued a statement indicating that the putschists had been overcome by the presidential guard and that the coup had failed.

According to Budd Conakry, the situation is very unclear and people should avoid venturing out onto the streets, particularly in the areas around the presidential palace and port.

They do not expect vessels currently in the port of Conakry to be in any danger but there may be delays in cargo operations if the people who work in the port are unable to reach it.

Our own staff will be monitoring the situation carefully and working from home if it is too dangerous to reach Khaloum.

No disruptions have been observed or are expected for vessels calling in Kamsar.

Crew changes are once again on hold for the time being.

UNQUOTE

Staff Author

UK P&I

Date09/09/2021

Tags

You may also be interested in:

The Club’s correspondent in China, Huatai Marine, provide in their latest Circular No: PNI [2022] 05 details of this summer’s fishing ban along China’s coastal areas.

The Club would like to draw Members' attention to the update below from the Club's Correspondents in Australia.

On 17 March 2022 the UK Government published a General Trade Licence in part to clarify earlier amendments to the UK Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations (the “Regulation”). Specifically, the licence addresses the issue as to whether it is lawful under the Regulation for insurers and reinsurers domiciled or operating from the United Kingdom to provide insurance for vessels calling at Russian ports or transiting Russian territorial waters.

The UK has implemented a number of sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The applicable UK legislation is The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which has been amended by eight additional regulations (the “Amendments”).