[Guinean news] Guinean chimps

The New York Times had a welcome lighter article related to Guinea. The piece explored research being done on the social habits of chimpanzes in Bossou, in the Lola prefecture of southeastern Guinea. This site has some more info.

[Guinean news] Cost of living protest in Conakry

Both the BBC World Service's Focus on Africa program and Guinéenews report that protests erupted today against high cost of living.

Around 8:00 this morning, young protesters marched through the streets of the Conakry neighborhood of Ratoma complaining about the ever increasing cost of basic goods. A few cars were reported damaged.

One young housewife protesting noted that a 50 kilo bag of rice now costs 160,000 Guinean francs (FG), or over US$39. The price has increased 60 percent since the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, she said.

"From one day to the next, they increase the price by 10,000 FG," she added.

[Guinean news] New 10,000 and 50,000 FG banknotes

Jeune Afrique reports that the Guinean central bank recently introduced 10,000 franc (FG) banknotes into circulation, presumably in response to skyrocketing inflation. The 10,000 FG note is worth about US$2.40.

The magazine reports the central bank is also planning to issue a 50,000 FG note.

[Guinean news] Guinea to bid for African soccer championships

Jeune Afrique is reporting that Guinea is bidding to host the 2016 African Nations Cup soccer tournament. The pan-African weekly also noted that construction of a 50,000 seat all-purpose stadium in Conakry began recently

[Peace Corps news] Connecting US and foreign students

Amy Clark of the World Wise Schools' program at Peace Corps headquarters passed along the following message:

If you are a teacher or know of an enthusiastic person in an educational organization, the Coverdell World Wise Schools program at the Peace Corps offers a unique opportunity to connect with a currently serving PCV. The Correspondence Match program is a vibrant two-year exchange of ideas, stories, pictures, and artifacts that helps U.S. students in the classroom learn about the people, geography, environment, and culture of the world from the direct experience of Volunteers living in other countries. Whatever the grade level, area of expertise, or geographic preference of the U.S. educator, there is a Peace Corps Volunteer who is ready to communicate with your students. To enroll, please visit www.peacecorps.gov/wws/correspond/

[Guinean news] Syli national qualifies for CAN 2008

The Guinean national soccer team, le Syli national, qualified for the 2008 African Nations Cup by thrashing Cape Verde 4-0 in Conakry. CAN 2008 will be held in Ghana during January and February of next year. The Guineans reached the quarterfinals of the 2006 edition of the tournament.