I received the following press release from Alliance Guinea
There will be a march in Washington DC this Monday the 26th [of October] to raise awareness about the events of September 28 in Guinea and to garner continued support for justice and a transition to and through democratic elections. The march is designed to emphasize Guinean women’s participation in particular, and thousands of people are expected to join in from around the country.
It’s short notice – but can we mobilize as many Guinean and non-Guinean friends of Guinea from the Alliance Guinea group to join in as well?
The march will begin at 10am Monday in Lafayette Park in DC, and will include stops at the State Department and possibly Capitol Hill. We are also making arrangements for smaller meetings with key State and Hill representatives to inform, show support for statements made thus far, and discuss ways to move forward.
If you are in the Washington/MD/VA area, we hope to see you there. If you are in another city, especially on the East Coast, and wish to get connected with transportation to and from the march with others from your area, please email allianceguinea @ gmail.com.
Let’s make this as big a show of solidarity as possible – demonstrating that Guinean tragedies and dreams are everyone’s tragedies and dreams.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
[PC Guinea news] Peace Corps Guinea reportedly suspended
According to several PCV blogs (here, here and here), the Peace Corps Guinea program, evacuated to Mali not long ago, has been officially suspended. I'm sure I speak for other RPCVs in Friends of Guinea in expressing our condolences to volunteers for their forced early departure.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
[Guinean news] General strike paralyzes Conakry; PCVs evacuated; EU calls for Dadis to be tried
Earlier this week, two-day general strike paralyzed Conakry. Thousands of residents of the capital stayed home to protest the junta's massacre of an estimated 187 peaceful protesters on September 28.
The junta's agriculture minister resigned in protest of the killings.
Guinéenews reports that one of its journalists as well as other journalists are regularly receiving death threats by the "security" forces.
Reuters reports that out-of-control soldiers are seen as the biggest source of instability in the country. The wire service also reported on internal tensions within the junta which make head of state Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara vulnerable to a 'palace coup.' They also mentioned accusations that foreign fighters were involved in the repression on demonstrators. The Nigeria Guardian has a story on divisions within the military.
ABC mentions fears that widespread rape and sexual violence by Guinean soldiers could destabilize the entire West African region (warning: contains graphic images).
The Peace Corps has confirmed that Guinea PCVs have been evacuated to Bamako, the capital of neighboring Mali. Families of volunteers are encouraged to contact Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services with any questions or concerns they may have. The Office of Special Services maintains a 24-hour a day, 7 days a week duty system, and can be reached at 800.424.8580 ( select 2, then 1, then ext. 1470 ) or 202.692.1470.
The public radio program The World did a segment on the reactions of Guineans living in New York City to the violence back home.
The European Union has called for Capt. Dadis to stand trial for crimes against humanity for last months' killings.
Reminder: more regular and extensive news updates and additional stories can be found via Friends of Guinea's Twitter feed. Just go to twitter.com/friendsofguinea and subscribe.
The junta's agriculture minister resigned in protest of the killings.
Guinéenews reports that one of its journalists as well as other journalists are regularly receiving death threats by the "security" forces.
Reuters reports that out-of-control soldiers are seen as the biggest source of instability in the country. The wire service also reported on internal tensions within the junta which make head of state Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara vulnerable to a 'palace coup.' They also mentioned accusations that foreign fighters were involved in the repression on demonstrators. The Nigeria Guardian has a story on divisions within the military.
ABC mentions fears that widespread rape and sexual violence by Guinean soldiers could destabilize the entire West African region (warning: contains graphic images).
The Peace Corps has confirmed that Guinea PCVs have been evacuated to Bamako, the capital of neighboring Mali. Families of volunteers are encouraged to contact Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services with any questions or concerns they may have. The Office of Special Services maintains a 24-hour a day, 7 days a week duty system, and can be reached at 800.424.8580 ( select 2, then 1, then ext. 1470 ) or 202.692.1470.
The public radio program The World did a segment on the reactions of Guineans living in New York City to the violence back home.
The European Union has called for Capt. Dadis to stand trial for crimes against humanity for last months' killings.
Reminder: more regular and extensive news updates and additional stories can be found via Friends of Guinea's Twitter feed. Just go to twitter.com/friendsofguinea and subscribe.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
[FOG news] Friends of Guinea statement on the events in Guinea
Below is a statement on behalf of the Friends of Guinea board of directors on the recent events in Guinea
As an organization primarily comprising people who've lived in or have some other strong connection to the country, Friends of Guinea is following the unfolding events in the Republic of Guinea with grave concern. We condemn by the massacre of 187 peaceful, unarmed protesters (over 1000 were injured) by the Guinean security forces and are particularly horrified by reports of soldiers publicly raping women.
The country's military leader, Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara, claims he has no control over the elements within the army and even blamed civilian opposition politicians for leading their followers into a confrontation with that army. In reality, the tension has been caused by Guineans' rightful disgust with corrupt leaders who've misruled and oppressed them with complete impunity for decades, last week's slaughter being only the most bloody example.
Guineans were initially optimistic about the new regime, as Capt. Dadis promised to crack down on corruption and drug trafficking. He also promised not to stand in next January's presidential elections. It was his reneging on that promise that led to the escalation of tension in the country. The brutal suppression, by men in uniform acting in his name, of peaceful protests is only making things worse.
If we are to take him at his word, that he's not in control of the military, then the military ruler must make re-establishing that control his number one task, not running a political campaign. We are heartened that Capt. Dadis says he agrees that an international inquiry into the massacre is merited, but that is not enough. We call on him to keep his initial promise to not run in the upcoming presidential elections and to hand over power to a democratically-elected civilian government. Imposing control over the security forces, implementing the rule of law and establishing democracy would be three of the most important things he could do for Guineans.
The September 28th killings occurred on the 51st anniversary of Guinea's historic rejection of French colonialism. In the lead up to that vote, Guinean leader Sékou Touré said that his countrymen would choose "poverty in liberty over prosperity in slavery." Guineans have seen plenty of poverty but precious little liberty. They are clearly showing how fed up they are with corrupt, autocratic regimes. After half a century, it's long past time they are allowed a leader who reflects their will. We call on Capt. Dadis to allow that to happen.
La version française de ce texte se trouve ici.
As an organization primarily comprising people who've lived in or have some other strong connection to the country, Friends of Guinea is following the unfolding events in the Republic of Guinea with grave concern. We condemn by the massacre of 187 peaceful, unarmed protesters (over 1000 were injured) by the Guinean security forces and are particularly horrified by reports of soldiers publicly raping women.
The country's military leader, Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara, claims he has no control over the elements within the army and even blamed civilian opposition politicians for leading their followers into a confrontation with that army. In reality, the tension has been caused by Guineans' rightful disgust with corrupt leaders who've misruled and oppressed them with complete impunity for decades, last week's slaughter being only the most bloody example.
Guineans were initially optimistic about the new regime, as Capt. Dadis promised to crack down on corruption and drug trafficking. He also promised not to stand in next January's presidential elections. It was his reneging on that promise that led to the escalation of tension in the country. The brutal suppression, by men in uniform acting in his name, of peaceful protests is only making things worse.
If we are to take him at his word, that he's not in control of the military, then the military ruler must make re-establishing that control his number one task, not running a political campaign. We are heartened that Capt. Dadis says he agrees that an international inquiry into the massacre is merited, but that is not enough. We call on him to keep his initial promise to not run in the upcoming presidential elections and to hand over power to a democratically-elected civilian government. Imposing control over the security forces, implementing the rule of law and establishing democracy would be three of the most important things he could do for Guineans.
The September 28th killings occurred on the 51st anniversary of Guinea's historic rejection of French colonialism. In the lead up to that vote, Guinean leader Sékou Touré said that his countrymen would choose "poverty in liberty over prosperity in slavery." Guineans have seen plenty of poverty but precious little liberty. They are clearly showing how fed up they are with corrupt, autocratic regimes. After half a century, it's long past time they are allowed a leader who reflects their will. We call on Capt. Dadis to allow that to happen.
La version française de ce texte se trouve ici.
Communiqué de presse sur la situation en Guinée
Communiqué de presse de la direction de Friends of Guinea sur les événements récents en Guinée
L’ONG Friends of Guinea suivent de près des événements préoccupants qui surviennent en Guinée depuis quelques semaines. Nous condamnons fermement le massacre de 187 manifestants paisibles et non-armés (plus d'un millier de blessés) par les forces de sécurité guinéennes qui a eu lieu le 28 septembre dernier. Nous sommes particulièrement horrifiés par les accusations de viol commis en public par les soldats contre les femmes.
Le chef de la junte, le capitaine Moussa Dadis Camara, dit ne pas contrôler des éléments de l'armée et a même accusé l'opposition d'avoir provoqué la confrontation qui a mené aux tueries. En fait, la tension monte parce que les Guinéens en ont assez des dirigeants autocratiques et corrompus qui ruinent le pays en toute impunité depuis l'indépendance.
Aux premiers jours de son régime, le capitaine Dadis a promis de mettre fin à la corruption et au trafic de la drogue. Il a également juré de ne pas se présenter comme candidat lors de l'élection présidentielle de janvier 2010, ce qui a laissé les Guinéens optimistes. C'est son choix de revenir sur sa promesse qui a provoqué la rupture avec le peuple de Guinée. La répression brutale commise en son nom n'a fait que l'éloigner d'eux.
Si le capitaine Dadis ne maîtrise pas l'armée, comme il le dit, son devoir premier est de rétablir la discipline militaire, non pas de mener une campagne politique. Nous sommes heureux que le chef de l'État agrée le besoin d'une enquête internationale sur le massacre, mais cela ne suffit pas. Nous l'appelons à tenir sa promesse initiale de ne pas se présenter comme candidat présidentiel et de livrer le pouvoir à un gouvernement civil et démocratiquement élu. Imposer de l'ordre aux forces de sécurité, bâtir un État de droit et l'établissement d'une démocratie seraient les trois choses les plus importantes qu'il pouvait faire pour les Guinéens.
Les tueries du 28 septembre dernier ont eu lieu la journée du 51e anniversaire du rejet historique du colonialisme français. Sékou Touré a dit que ses concitoyens allait choisir la pauvreté dans la liberté. Depuis l'indépendance, les Guinéens vivent beaucoup de pauvreté mais très peu de liberté. Les manifestations font preuve de leur désir de se débarrasser une fois pour toutes des régimes corrompus et autoritaires. Après un demi-siècle de souffrances, les Guinéens meritent un gouvernement et un État qui leur appartiennent. Nous appelons le capitaine Dadis à rendre la Guinée enfin aux Guinéens.
L’ONG Friends of Guinea suivent de près des événements préoccupants qui surviennent en Guinée depuis quelques semaines. Nous condamnons fermement le massacre de 187 manifestants paisibles et non-armés (plus d'un millier de blessés) par les forces de sécurité guinéennes qui a eu lieu le 28 septembre dernier. Nous sommes particulièrement horrifiés par les accusations de viol commis en public par les soldats contre les femmes.
Le chef de la junte, le capitaine Moussa Dadis Camara, dit ne pas contrôler des éléments de l'armée et a même accusé l'opposition d'avoir provoqué la confrontation qui a mené aux tueries. En fait, la tension monte parce que les Guinéens en ont assez des dirigeants autocratiques et corrompus qui ruinent le pays en toute impunité depuis l'indépendance.
Aux premiers jours de son régime, le capitaine Dadis a promis de mettre fin à la corruption et au trafic de la drogue. Il a également juré de ne pas se présenter comme candidat lors de l'élection présidentielle de janvier 2010, ce qui a laissé les Guinéens optimistes. C'est son choix de revenir sur sa promesse qui a provoqué la rupture avec le peuple de Guinée. La répression brutale commise en son nom n'a fait que l'éloigner d'eux.
Si le capitaine Dadis ne maîtrise pas l'armée, comme il le dit, son devoir premier est de rétablir la discipline militaire, non pas de mener une campagne politique. Nous sommes heureux que le chef de l'État agrée le besoin d'une enquête internationale sur le massacre, mais cela ne suffit pas. Nous l'appelons à tenir sa promesse initiale de ne pas se présenter comme candidat présidentiel et de livrer le pouvoir à un gouvernement civil et démocratiquement élu. Imposer de l'ordre aux forces de sécurité, bâtir un État de droit et l'établissement d'une démocratie seraient les trois choses les plus importantes qu'il pouvait faire pour les Guinéens.
Les tueries du 28 septembre dernier ont eu lieu la journée du 51e anniversaire du rejet historique du colonialisme français. Sékou Touré a dit que ses concitoyens allait choisir la pauvreté dans la liberté. Depuis l'indépendance, les Guinéens vivent beaucoup de pauvreté mais très peu de liberté. Les manifestations font preuve de leur désir de se débarrasser une fois pour toutes des régimes corrompus et autoritaires. Après un demi-siècle de souffrances, les Guinéens meritent un gouvernement et un État qui leur appartiennent. Nous appelons le capitaine Dadis à rendre la Guinée enfin aux Guinéens.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
[Advocacy news] Alliance Guinea calls for help from lawyers, educators, politicos, journalists and humanitarians
Jen from the newly created group Alliance Guinea (www.allianceguinea.org) writes:
(Notes: The name was changed from the former Guinea Solidarité which was similar to an organization that already existed. Le site est également disponible en français ici)
Calling all lawyers, educators, students, politicos, journalists, humanitarians
We've got our Facebook page, we have our website/blog, and now we need YOU to take these tools and *run with it*!
Following the call we had yesterday, we've identified the following areas of action, as stated on the website:
Advocate to governments, international organizations and agenda setters in support of human rights and a peaceful, democratic transition in Guinea. Serve as a resource to human rights organizations, law clinics, and international agencies investigating human rights abuses in Guinea. Serve as a resource and nonpartisan, multiethnic forum for activists, journalists and victims of human righs abuses in Guinea. Conduct outreach and provide resources for educators and student groups to raise awareness and promote activism in support of human rights and democracy in Guinea.
To acheive these things, we need you. Specifically:
• If you are a lawyer, law student, human rights clinic, pro-bono clinic, or human rights organization staffer: please email the new head of our law/human rights subcommittee, Rachel Cherington, at rcherington@yahoo.com, for more information and to get connected.
• If you are a high school or middle school teacher - or high school/middle school student - and want to work on discussion guides/lesson plans or anything else cool that you think of, please email ... me (jbsfela@yahoo.com) - until I can confirm our new education head -- or tell me if you want to be that person!
• If you are a university student or faculty member and want to help organize information and advocacy sessions at your school, please email our campus organizing heads Ataoulaye Fela Bah (afb21232@columbia.edu), Susan Martonosi (smartonosi@yahoo.com), and Lisa Mueller (lmmueller@ucla.edu)
• If you are are following the policy options very closely and/or have links to lawmakers and other decision-makers and want to be involved in our policy/advocacy subcommittee, please email me at (jbsfela@yahoo.com).
• If you are are following the policy options very closely and/or have links to lawmakers and other decision-makers and want to be involved in our policy/advocacy subcommittee, please email me at (jbsfela@yahoo.com).
• We are also looking for someone to take the lead on victim support efforts that people want to do, i.e. possibly connecting to Medecins Sans Frontiers to channel donations, etc. Please let me know if you are interested in this angle.
• Finally, we need people to be regular bloggers posting on our site, getting the discussion going on what’s going on in Guinea in general. If this is you, let me know.
We are now nearly 500 strong on Facebook – and I haven’t had a chance to count the number of letters that have been flying out but it’s got to be dozens (and that’s only the ones I know about). At this time, it’s about everyone making the most of these tools we have to start taking whatever initiatives you think would be helpful to further our collective goals.
In solidarity,
Jen
(Notes: The name was changed from the former Guinea Solidarité which was similar to an organization that already existed. Le site est également disponible en français ici)
Calling all lawyers, educators, students, politicos, journalists, humanitarians
We've got our Facebook page, we have our website/blog, and now we need YOU to take these tools and *run with it*!
Following the call we had yesterday, we've identified the following areas of action, as stated on the website:
Advocate to governments, international organizations and agenda setters in support of human rights and a peaceful, democratic transition in Guinea. Serve as a resource to human rights organizations, law clinics, and international agencies investigating human rights abuses in Guinea. Serve as a resource and nonpartisan, multiethnic forum for activists, journalists and victims of human righs abuses in Guinea. Conduct outreach and provide resources for educators and student groups to raise awareness and promote activism in support of human rights and democracy in Guinea.
To acheive these things, we need you. Specifically:
• If you are a lawyer, law student, human rights clinic, pro-bono clinic, or human rights organization staffer: please email the new head of our law/human rights subcommittee, Rachel Cherington, at rcherington@yahoo.com, for more information and to get connected.
• If you are a high school or middle school teacher - or high school/middle school student - and want to work on discussion guides/lesson plans or anything else cool that you think of, please email ... me (jbsfela@yahoo.com) - until I can confirm our new education head -- or tell me if you want to be that person!
• If you are a university student or faculty member and want to help organize information and advocacy sessions at your school, please email our campus organizing heads Ataoulaye Fela Bah (afb21232@columbia.edu), Susan Martonosi (smartonosi@yahoo.com), and Lisa Mueller (lmmueller@ucla.edu)
• If you are are following the policy options very closely and/or have links to lawmakers and other decision-makers and want to be involved in our policy/advocacy subcommittee, please email me at (jbsfela@yahoo.com).
• If you are are following the policy options very closely and/or have links to lawmakers and other decision-makers and want to be involved in our policy/advocacy subcommittee, please email me at (jbsfela@yahoo.com).
• We are also looking for someone to take the lead on victim support efforts that people want to do, i.e. possibly connecting to Medecins Sans Frontiers to channel donations, etc. Please let me know if you are interested in this angle.
• Finally, we need people to be regular bloggers posting on our site, getting the discussion going on what’s going on in Guinea in general. If this is you, let me know.
We are now nearly 500 strong on Facebook – and I haven’t had a chance to count the number of letters that have been flying out but it’s got to be dozens (and that’s only the ones I know about). At this time, it’s about everyone making the most of these tools we have to start taking whatever initiatives you think would be helpful to further our collective goals.
In solidarity,
Jen
[Guinean news] Guinean women increasingly 'prey' of soldiers; Sec. Clinton calls for junta to leave power
The New York Times had an article on the hugely troubling phenomenon of women increasingly becoming "prey" of out-of-control men in uniform.
Cellphone snapshots, ugly and hard to refute, are circulating here and feeding rage: they show that women were the particular targets of the Guinean soldiers who suppressed a political demonstration at a stadium here last week, with victims and witnesses describing rapes, beatings and acts of intentional humiliation, the piece begins, before adding, But even more than the shootings, the attacks on women — horrific anywhere, but viewed with particular revulsion in Muslim countries like this one — appear to have traumatized the citizenry and hardened the opposition’s determination to force out the leader of the military junta, Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara.
The daily also reported that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton not only condemned the violence but took the unusual step of saying that the military junta "cannot remain in power."
The paper added that Sec. Clinton's deputy met with the Guinean head of state and told him he was responsible for the violence, despite the captain's denials. Dadis was "noncommittal" when pressured to hold to his earlier promise not to run in January's presidential elections. The with Captain Camara is seen as significant by Africa experts as an example of President Obama’s push for good governance and human rights on the continent.
Cellphone snapshots, ugly and hard to refute, are circulating here and feeding rage: they show that women were the particular targets of the Guinean soldiers who suppressed a political demonstration at a stadium here last week, with victims and witnesses describing rapes, beatings and acts of intentional humiliation, the piece begins, before adding, But even more than the shootings, the attacks on women — horrific anywhere, but viewed with particular revulsion in Muslim countries like this one — appear to have traumatized the citizenry and hardened the opposition’s determination to force out the leader of the military junta, Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara.
The daily also reported that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton not only condemned the violence but took the unusual step of saying that the military junta "cannot remain in power."
The paper added that Sec. Clinton's deputy met with the Guinean head of state and told him he was responsible for the violence, despite the captain's denials. Dadis was "noncommittal" when pressured to hold to his earlier promise not to run in January's presidential elections. The with Captain Camara is seen as significant by Africa experts as an example of President Obama’s push for good governance and human rights on the continent.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
[FOG news] Friends of Guinea is now on Twitter
You can now follow Friends of Guinea via Twitter. Just go to twitter.com/friendsofguinea or if you're already on Twitter, just follow @friendsofguinea
In addition to linking to FOG blog entries on FOG, Peace Corps and Guinean news, I will also repost ("retweet" or RT) links to related stories from other news outlets. It's a good way to keep up to date, especially now as events seem to be unfolding quickly.
In addition to linking to FOG blog entries on FOG, Peace Corps and Guinean news, I will also repost ("retweet" or RT) links to related stories from other news outlets. It's a good way to keep up to date, especially now as events seem to be unfolding quickly.
Monday, October 05, 2009
[Guinean news] General strikes in Siguiri, Kissidougou; Compaoré arrives in Conakry
Guinéenews reports that the Upper Guinea city of Siguiri and Forest region city of Kissidougou were both paralyzed by general strikes today.
Earlier Monday morning, protesters in Siguiri took to the streets demanding public lighting of their city. The protests prevented activities in the center of town. Protesters objected to the local authorities failure to keep its promise in the matter.
In Kissidougou, transport and commercial activities were halted when youth called for action to protest both the candidacy of the military leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara in January's presidential elections and the September 28 massacre. The protesters were dissuaded against actually taking to the streets, for fear of violence, however the population stayed home instead, shutting down the city.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso's head of state Blaise Compaoré arrived in Conakry to begin ECOWAS sponsored mediation.
Earlier Monday morning, protesters in Siguiri took to the streets demanding public lighting of their city. The protests prevented activities in the center of town. Protesters objected to the local authorities failure to keep its promise in the matter.
In Kissidougou, transport and commercial activities were halted when youth called for action to protest both the candidacy of the military leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara in January's presidential elections and the September 28 massacre. The protesters were dissuaded against actually taking to the streets, for fear of violence, however the population stayed home instead, shutting down the city.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso's head of state Blaise Compaoré arrived in Conakry to begin ECOWAS sponsored mediation.
[Guinean news] Update on the situation in Guinea
Events are moving so quickly in Guinea that it's hard to keep up, but below are links to various news articles about and international reaction to the evolving situation in the country following the September 28 massacre that is now believed to have killed 187 people.
-Foreign gunmen helped Guinea crackdown (Reuters)
-Scuffles break out at new Guinea anti-junta demo (AFP)
-Thousands identify Guinea bodies (BBC)
-International inquiry needed into violence by Guinea security forces(Amnesty International)
-Guinean junta leader calls for UN investigation (Radio Netherlands)
-UN Security Council condemns Guinea repression, deaths (DPA)
-CNDD junta condemns September 28 deaths (Guinéenews - in French)
-Guinea junta calls for national unity government (Reuters)
-Guinea opposition rejects unity government after bloodbath (DPA)
-Guinean refugees heading toward Mali (Maliweb - in French)
-Guinean soldiers accused of raping women with rifle butts (AP)
-Civil society reactions to junta leader’s declarations (MISNA)
-West African regional grouping names Burkina Faso leader as facilitator (AFP)
-[Video] Guinean soldiers firing on crowd (UK Guardian) (WARNING: contains graphic images)
-[Audio] Guinea violence (BBC World Service Analysis program)
-Guinea leader vows to hold election despite bloody protest (The Day)
-France's [foreign minister Bernard] Kouchner Urges International Intervention in Guinea (Bloomberg)
-Guinea people opposed to peacekeepers, claims junta chief (AFP)
-Guinea leader claims 'no responsibility' in bloodbath (AFP)
-Dadis admits, "To say that I control this army would be demagogy." (France 24)
-Foreign gunmen helped Guinea crackdown (Reuters)
-Scuffles break out at new Guinea anti-junta demo (AFP)
-Thousands identify Guinea bodies (BBC)
-International inquiry needed into violence by Guinea security forces(Amnesty International)
-Guinean junta leader calls for UN investigation (Radio Netherlands)
-UN Security Council condemns Guinea repression, deaths (DPA)
-CNDD junta condemns September 28 deaths (Guinéenews - in French)
-Guinea junta calls for national unity government (Reuters)
-Guinea opposition rejects unity government after bloodbath (DPA)
-Guinean refugees heading toward Mali (Maliweb - in French)
-Guinean soldiers accused of raping women with rifle butts (AP)
-Civil society reactions to junta leader’s declarations (MISNA)
-West African regional grouping names Burkina Faso leader as facilitator (AFP)
-[Video] Guinean soldiers firing on crowd (UK Guardian) (WARNING: contains graphic images)
-[Audio] Guinea violence (BBC World Service Analysis program)
-Guinea leader vows to hold election despite bloody protest (The Day)
-France's [foreign minister Bernard] Kouchner Urges International Intervention in Guinea (Bloomberg)
-Guinea people opposed to peacekeepers, claims junta chief (AFP)
-Guinea leader claims 'no responsibility' in bloodbath (AFP)
-Dadis admits, "To say that I control this army would be demagogy." (France 24)
Sunday, October 04, 2009
[RPCV news] Guinea Solidarité Facebook page and website
A Facebook page has been started to "in support of the Guinean people and of an end to military rule and dictatorship and a beginning of freedom and prosperity."
It noted: On September 28, 2009, the Guinean military brutally cracked down on the unarmed population protesting military rule and junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara's likely candidature for president. By many accounts at least 200 people were killed and women and girls viciously raped in the capital city of Conakry that day.
This group has been formed in response to these atrocities as a show of solidarity with people in Guinea and to serve as a forum for organizing in support of a transition to the democracy that has eluded Guinea for the past 51 years of independence.
The Facebook page can be accessed here.
They've also launched a web site, which can be found at: http://guineasolidarite.wordpress.com/
It noted: On September 28, 2009, the Guinean military brutally cracked down on the unarmed population protesting military rule and junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara's likely candidature for president. By many accounts at least 200 people were killed and women and girls viciously raped in the capital city of Conakry that day.
This group has been formed in response to these atrocities as a show of solidarity with people in Guinea and to serve as a forum for organizing in support of a transition to the democracy that has eluded Guinea for the past 51 years of independence.
The Facebook page can be accessed here.
They've also launched a web site, which can be found at: http://guineasolidarite.wordpress.com/
[Guinean news] Call for witnesses from Human Rights Watch
An FOG member reported:
I was in touch today with the West Africa senior researcher for Human Rights Watch who will be heading to Guinea in the next couple of days to begin her investigation into the atrocities of September 28 and the continuing violence and human rights abuses.
She is looking for help connecting with credible eye witnesses, survivors, and victims' families who are willing to be interviewed. I am sending some names her way, and if any of you have other people to connect her to, please email me at jbsfela@yahoo.com. Human Rights Watch will, of course, protect this information with the utmost care.
In addition, she shared with me the attached collection of HRW statements/press reports and press complications since the coup in December, which provides useful background and some eyewitness accounts already. In English and French.
Also, FYI - I was in touch today with the office of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (Brooklyn, 11th District), who is coming out strong against the use of violence against civilian protesters in Guinea. Her staffers are looking to set up a meeting with "concerned residents" to hear from people in the districts and learn our perspective on what has happened and what the US should do about it. She has also been in close touch with the State Department. Seems like a potentially helpful ally; we should know more early this week about the Brooklyn meeting and will keep you posted if you are in the area and would like to attend, and for the debrief which may yield more ideas of how best we can have a positive impact on the situation.
I was in touch today with the West Africa senior researcher for Human Rights Watch who will be heading to Guinea in the next couple of days to begin her investigation into the atrocities of September 28 and the continuing violence and human rights abuses.
She is looking for help connecting with credible eye witnesses, survivors, and victims' families who are willing to be interviewed. I am sending some names her way, and if any of you have other people to connect her to, please email me at jbsfela@yahoo.com. Human Rights Watch will, of course, protect this information with the utmost care.
In addition, she shared with me the attached collection of HRW statements/press reports and press complications since the coup in December, which provides useful background and some eyewitness accounts already. In English and French.
Also, FYI - I was in touch today with the office of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (Brooklyn, 11th District), who is coming out strong against the use of violence against civilian protesters in Guinea. Her staffers are looking to set up a meeting with "concerned residents" to hear from people in the districts and learn our perspective on what has happened and what the US should do about it. She has also been in close touch with the State Department. Seems like a potentially helpful ally; we should know more early this week about the Brooklyn meeting and will keep you posted if you are in the area and would like to attend, and for the debrief which may yield more ideas of how best we can have a positive impact on the situation.
[PC Guinea news] PCVs reportedly to be evacuated
The parent of a PCV reports that all volunteers will be evacuated to the Malian capital Bamako later this week for a period of at least two weeks.
Friday, October 02, 2009
[PC Guinea news] Peace Corps Monitoring Security Situation in Guinea
From The Peace Corps:
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2009
All Peace Corps/Guinea volunteers have been instructed to remain at their sites or a designated location while Peace Corps and the U.S. Embassy in Conakry continue to monitor and assess the safety and security situation in Guinea. All volunteers are safe and accounted for.
The State Department issued a Guinea travel warning earlier today due to civil unrest. Peace Corps leadership in Washington, DC remains in constant communication with the staff on the ground in Guinea and is working closely with the State Department to ensure the safety of volunteers.
Every Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) specific to that country and developed in cooperation with Peace Corps Washington and the local U.S. Embassy. The plans are evaluated and tested frequently and information is updated constantly. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their roles and responsibilities, and posts are prepared for all emergencies.
There are 93 Volunteers in Guinea; 84 are in-country and 9 are currently traveling outside of the country.
Families are encouraged to contact Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services with any questions or concerns they may have. The Office of Special Services is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including holidays) at 800.424.8580, extension 1470, or 202.692.1470."
Stay tuned for more updates...
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2009
All Peace Corps/Guinea volunteers have been instructed to remain at their sites or a designated location while Peace Corps and the U.S. Embassy in Conakry continue to monitor and assess the safety and security situation in Guinea. All volunteers are safe and accounted for.
The State Department issued a Guinea travel warning earlier today due to civil unrest. Peace Corps leadership in Washington, DC remains in constant communication with the staff on the ground in Guinea and is working closely with the State Department to ensure the safety of volunteers.
Every Peace Corps program has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) specific to that country and developed in cooperation with Peace Corps Washington and the local U.S. Embassy. The plans are evaluated and tested frequently and information is updated constantly. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their roles and responsibilities, and posts are prepared for all emergencies.
There are 93 Volunteers in Guinea; 84 are in-country and 9 are currently traveling outside of the country.
Families are encouraged to contact Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services with any questions or concerns they may have. The Office of Special Services is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including holidays) at 800.424.8580, extension 1470, or 202.692.1470."
Stay tuned for more updates...
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