[Guinean news] Sept. 28 massacre, rapes 'premeditated,' 'likely crimes against humanity': HRW

The non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch has issued a report described the Sept. 28 killings in Conakry's main sports' stadium as 'premeditated' and 'likely crimes against humanity.'

HRW came to this conclusion after interviewing 240 victims, witnesses, military personnel, medical staff, humanitarian officials, diplomats, and journalists.

The NGO collected chilling witness accounts describing how members of Guinea's security forces burst into the stadium and opened fire on tens of thousands of opposition supporters who had gathered to demand a return to civilian rule... Witnesses described how bodies were strewn across the field, crushed against half-opened gates, and draped over walls. Others told how the panicked demonstrators were gunned down as they tried to scale the stadium walls; shot point blank after being caught hiding in tunnels, bathrooms, and under seats; and mowed down after being drawn out by soldiers who were pretending to offer safe passage.

"The serious abuses carried out in Guinea on September 28 were clearly not the actions of a group of rogue, undisciplined soldiers, as the Guinean government contends," said Peter Bouckaert, Emergencies director at Human Rights Watch. "They were premeditated, and top-level leaders must at the very least have been aware of what was being planned, our investigation shows."

-The HRW summary is here
-The full report can be accessed here

[FOG news] Support FOG via Amazon

Did you know that you can support Friends of Guinea with each purchase on Amazon.com? We get up to 5% of your purchase price in commission, even though it doesn't affect the cost of the item(s) you buy. We are hoping to continue our humanitarian effort in Guinea and this is an easy (and free!) way to help us get the funds to do so. But you have to do so either by clicking here or via the Amazon link on our home page.

[Advocacy news] Today's march in NYC

The September 28 Coalition for Justice and Democracy in Guinea has announced its agenda for today's march in New York City.

March and Rally at the United Nations

Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 11am - 3pm

11am: Protest at the Guinean Consulate, E. 39th & Lexington

12noon: March down 3rd Ave. to Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza

12:30pm - 3pm: Rally at the UN - E. 47th & UN Plaza

Speakers to include: Kadiatou Diallo, David Dinkins, Kevin Powell, Norman Siegel, and Guinean eye witnesses and activists

Frrom the September 28 Coalition:

On September 28, 2009, the military of the West African nation of Guinea brutally cracked down on tens of thousands of unarmed protestors speaking out against military rule and junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara's likely candidature for president. According to the International Red Cross, at least 157 people were killed, 1200 people wounded, and women and girls viciously raped in the capital city of Conakry that day. This rally is being held to raise awareness of these events and ask the UN to increase its efforts to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice and that Guinea has the support it needs to hold the first truly democratic presidential elections in its 51 years of independence. The consequences of inaction on the part of the international community are simply too dire. We cannot stand idly by as crimes against humanity go unpunished, a nation is kept hostage by its own military, and an entire sub-region is endangered by the very real threat of ethnic-based civil war. Not this time.

The Guinean Forces Vives in the US -Alliance Guinea - The Amadou Diallo Foundation

For more details and event sign-up: click here.

[Advocacy news] Musical fundraiser in NYC

La Musique Contre la Violence


Support justice and democracy in Guinea with Guinean music masters Missia Saran Dioubaté, Kakande, Bailo Bah & friends



Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Time: 8-11pm

Venue: Shrine, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell at 134th Street

Suggested Donation: $15

With special guests including eye witnesses to the September 28 atrocities in Guinea and leading activists.

More details and event sign-up: click here.

[Guinean news] Wounded Dadis flown to Morocco

The BBC reports that junta leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara, wounded yesterday in an assassination attempt, has been flown to Morocco for medical treatment.

It also reports that the Dadis' would-be assassin Aboubacar "Toumba" Diakite, who also led the infamous Sept. 28 massacre, has gone into hiding.

[Guinean news] Dadis wounded in assassination bid

Guinea's military leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara has been shot and wounded by his aide-de-camp in what is being described as an assassination attempt. A junta spokesman called the injuries 'light' but Senegalese president Aboulaye Wade sent doctors to Conakry to help treat the junta leader and Guineenews reports that Dadis was shot in the head. The site also reports that Dadis remains at Conakry's Camp Alpha Yaya but may be evacuated to Dakar.

[RPCV news] 2010 RPCV calendars for sale

The group RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison is now selling its annual calendar with photos submitted by PCVs and RPCVs. For more info, go to RPCVcalendar.org.