The terrorist attack that killed 21 people Friday at a hotel in Mali's capital has heightened security concerns in neighboring West African countries such as Guinea, where President Alpha Conde says he intends to roll out a host of new security measures.
Addressing local leaders Tuesday in Conakry, Conde said authorities must submit information on foreigners living the capital area, and that the regional governor has given mayors and area chiefs 72 hours to file the information.
Conde also said only Guineans will be allowed to teach in Quranic schools.
"We cannot allow foreigners to come in to indoctrinate our children," he said. "We have enough Quranic teachers already."
Conde said construction of any new mosques and Quranic schools will be halted to investigate the sources of revenue. He said he also wants to ban the wearing of burqa's, the garment worn by some Muslim women to cover their bodies when in public.
He said a full veil makes it difficult to know whether an individual is male or female, and that "we cannot wait until what happened in Mali happens here to take precautions."
Neighboring Senegal has also said it is considering banning burqas. Chad and one northern region of Cameroon banned them earlier this year amid attacks by Boko Haram. The concern is that attackers or suicide bombers could use burqas to conceal weapons or mask their identities.
Guinea has not had any terrorist attacks, but Conde says the country must remain vigilant.
