[Peace Corps news] Peace Corps criticized over handling of PCV rape cases

The Peace Corps has been heavily criticized in recent weeks over its treatment of Peace Corps Volunteers who are victims of rape and other forms of sexual assault. A front page article in The New York Times detailed several complaints against the agency's handling of such cases, citing a 'blame the victim' culture.

Hearings were held on the controversy, before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The National Peace Corps Association, an RCPV advocacy group with which Friends of Guinea is affiliated, live blogged the Congressional hearings and has other information on PCV safety. Those can be found here.

[Guinean news] New leadership, new risks, old problems

Reuters has a couple of good analyses on the newly democratic system in Guinea.

The first explores 'the political turmoil, ethnic strife, and showdowns with international mining firms' that have characterized Pres. Alpha Conde's first half year in office.

Conde's security forces earlier this month cracked down on a crowd that had gathered at Conakry's airport to welcome [opposition leader Cellou Dalein] Diallo home from a trip, killing one and injuring several others.

Human rights activists said security forces, which are mostly Malinke, used anti-Peul slurs during the crackdown.

Dozens of Diallo supporters have been arrested and the offices of Diallo's party were raided by security forces.

The second Reuters piece has a look at some of the key political risks the country is facing.