Coronavirus: Guinea to hold vote despite concerns

Despite calls by the World Health Organization (WHO) for countries in Africa to take urgent steps to prepare for Coronavirus, the authorities in Guinea are going ahead with a referendum and parliamentary vote on Sunday.

The West African country, which was hit badly by the 2014 Ebola outbreak, has had only two confirmed cases of Covid-19.

This new virus is not nearly as lethal but given the urgent need to prepare, many are questioning the wisdom of going ahead with this referendum.

Tension is already rising after reported plans to disrupt phone and internet operations over the weekend.

The referendum could pave the way for Guinea's President Alpha Condé to seek a third term in office.

Opposition leaders in Guinea have called it a constitutional coup and want street protests on Saturday.