[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.



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