Opposition supporters protest in Guinea

Opposition supporters in Guinea took to the streets of capital Conakry Tuesday to show their anger at their president's plans to amend the constitution.

Guinean President Alpha Conde is moving forward with plans to hold a constitutional referendum ahead of elections set for 2020, prompting fears from his opponents that he will attempt to prolong his rule in this West African country with a long history of dictatorships and coups.

Media reports said at least 12 people had been injured in protests against Conde's return to the presidency for a third term.

Conde became the country's first democratically elected leader since independence from France in 1958 when he won the 2010 vote.

Conde's second and final mandate is due to end this year, but already tensions over his future plans have led to protests in which dozens have died in clashes with security forces.

Mineral-rich Guinea suffered through decades of dictatorship under late strongman Lansana Conte.

His death 11 years ago ushered in chaos, including the brief and violent reign of coup leader Dadis Camara. After Camara survived an assassination attempt he went into exile, paving the way for elections.

Alpha Conde emerged as the victor of the first democratic elections in 2010. He was re-elected in 2015. No date was announced for the referendum, though Conde's term expires in December 2020.

Human rights groups have criticized the Conde administration for banning a number of public demonstrations.

Opposition leaders this year also have been sentenced to jail time on charges of insurrection and disturbing the public peace.