Two high-level UN Officials voiced concern this week over the risk of “incitement to hostility, discrimination or violence” as Guinea gears up for elections on 18 October.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said there are already serious indications of rising intolerance and confrontation, including among youth groups, and media outlets amplifying messages of hate.

Along with Pramila Patten, UN Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, she urged political leaders to refrain from invoking ethnic affiliations designed to raise tensions, and using intentionally provocative language.

Veronic Njie reports.