Conkary – A hospital official and residents say at least three people have died and some 50 have been injured in pre-election violence in Guinea.

A hospital worker, who insisted on anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the press, said the deaths and injuries have been caused by violence since Thursday. Opposition demonstrators have clashed with supporters of President Alpha Conde who is running for re-election in polls on Sunday.

Mamadou Lamarana Diallo said Saturday he saw an officer open fire on demonstrators, killing his friend, in a Conakry suburb known as an opposition stronghold.

Sharif Bah said on Friday demonstrators clashed near the home of opposition candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo. He said his friend was fatally stabbed.

The UN. West Africa office head, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, called for calm.