[Guinean news] 28 Sept. massacre impunity criticized; 4 killed in opposition rally

On this Guinean National Day, Human Rights Watch has a report (both in English and in French) criticizing the Guinean state for its failure to punish those responsible for the massacre of peaceful protesters committed in Conakry's main stadium on 28 Sept. 2009. On a somewhat related note, an opposition march in Conakry yesterday protesting the manner of organization of upcoming legislative elections was violently dispersed by the authorities. Opposition leaders say four people were killed in the repression.

[Guinean news] Govt bans opposition protest

The Guinean government banned a major opposition protest scheduled for this week, reports Reuters. The Minister for Territorial Administration said of the opposition, "They just want to create trouble to prevent investors coming into the country ... They did not even seek authorization for it," Opposition figures said the ban was not legal and accused the administration of trying to rig December's legislative elections of behalf of Pres. Alpha Conde's party.

[Guinean news] Legislative elections set for Dec. 29

Guinea's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) has set December 29 as the new date for anticipated legislative elections. The CENI will engage in a six-week long revision of the electoral lists, starting on October 3.

[Guinean news] Govt defends new mining code

The Guinean government is defending a new code it passed to regulate the mining industry. The code gives the government a free 15% share in mining companies and demands greater financial transparency, reported the BBC. Prime Minister Mohamed Said Fofana told a national television audience that the regulations would ensure mining companies paid taxes and royalties and require them to invest a minimum US$1 billion in the country.

[Guinean news] Conde blames Senegal and Gambia for attack

Guinean president Alpha Conde accused the Senegalese and Gambian governments of having "complicity" with those who launched attacks on his residence in July. In a radio interview, Conde said of the assaults that "all was planned in Dakar." The allegations were vehemently denied by a spokesperson for the Senegalese presidency. Some have claimed that the accusations are eerily reminiscent of the "permanent plot" state of paranoia created during the regime of Sekou Toure.