Guinea PM, pitches for Conde at the Party Electoral Convention, a move which has stirred violent protests in the West African nation.

"This is the starting point today for a new, bright and promising future for Guinea and Guineans. We are proud to be the vectors of this new hope for our country and our people," stressed Prime Minister Kassory Fofana.

Guinean Prime Minister Kassory Fofana on Wednesday proclaimed his support for President Alpha Conde at a party convention likely to confirm whether the incumbent runs for a third term in office -- a scenario that has stirred bloody protests. https://t.co/JHElAlquu7

— AFP Africa (@AFPAfrica) August 5, 2020

Conde is near the end of his second fi ve-year term in office, the maximum under the old constitution, which has just been revised and approved by a referendum.

Critics say the changes are a ploy to enable the 82-year-old to reset his time in power.

Under the new constitution, presidential terms are also limited to two but extended from five years to six, which could theoretically enable Conde to govern for another 12 years.