[Guinean news] Social tension rises in Conakry, mining towns

Several days last week, youths took to the street in Conakry to protest high gas prices. The protesters burnt tires and threw stones. Soldiers shot at demonstrators, killing at least one person, according to The New York Times; human rights' groups fear the toll may be much higher. The government severely restricted freedom of movement in the capital.

The IRIN news service ran a story on how Guineans living in mining towns are increasingly taking to the streets to protest the unavailability of basic services to ordinary people.

Last week, people in Boké protested lack of access to water and electricity, both of which are readily available to the city's CBG bauxite mining company. Several other mining communities have faced similar protests.

Boké residents poured into the streets and blocked the railway by which [CBG] transports materials for export. The people of Boké the week before had threatened to block operations if they did not receive access to water and electricity. "The military forces who came from Conakry did not hesitate at all when they confronted the demonstrators," the dead man’s aunt, Ansoumane Diawara, told IRIN. "They were shooting everywhere. My nephew was struck down by a stray bullet."

[Guinean news] Community radio station shut down

Radio Netherlands Worldwide's' Media Network blog reports that Conakry's Familia FM, has been shut down by the state media regulator. The National Communications Council (CNC) shut down the private community radio station for allegedly broadcasting information that could 'disturb the public peace.'

A reporter of the station said they did not receive written notice from the CNC, but they heard of the suspension on the national radio.

The station is now reportedly off the air.

RNW added: Familia FM is a popular private community radio station that specializes in social issues but has no rights to do any broadcasts other than news bulletins. [The Media Foundation for West Africa] says it is worried about the tendency of the CNC to order suspensions of the media in Guinea.

Guinea was the last country in West Africa to allow private broadcasters, after resisting such calls for over a decade.

[Blog news] Do you have any news tips?

Have you run across any news stories about Guinea not mentioned here or anything else that you feel should be featured in this blog? If so, feel free to leave them in the comments section of the blog or to email a link or the pertinent information to me at communications@friendsofguinea.org

Also let me know if you want your name credited.

Brian Farenell
FOG Communications Director

[Guinean news] Boké drugs raid nets local officials

A cocaine bust in the eastern town of Boké has seen the arrest of the mayor and top police officials as well as the region's governor.

An aircraft allegedly carrying a large quantity of cocaine mysteriously landed and took off early on Thursday [Sept. 5] in Boke.

The officials were taking to Conakry for questioning.

Drugs' trafficking is an increasing problem in parts of Guinea, as neighboring Guinea-Bissau is widely acknowledged to have become Africa's first narco-state.