News from Guinea and Friends of Guinea

[Guinean news] Fire damages Matoto market

2012-01-29T04:59:00.000-05:00

A severe fire ravaged through the Matoto market in Conakry several weeks ago, destroying over 20 boutiques. No lives were lost. An electrical short circuit was identified as the cause of the blaze.

[Guinean news] Guinea thumps Botswana in African Cup

2012-01-28T16:34:00.004-05:00

The Guinean national soccer team crushed debutantes Botswana 6-1 in their second group stage game at the African Nations Cup. This was by far the biggest victory by any team at the tournament so far. Botswana had a player ejected shortly before half time for a bad tackle when the score was 3-1.

Guinea play tournament co-favorites Ghana in their final group stage game on Wednesday Feb. 1 at 1:00 pm Eastern Time (1800 GMT). The Syli national will likely advance to the quarterfinals with a win and will likely be eliminated with a loss. They will advance with a draw only if Botswana defeats Mali in the other match.

[Guinean news] Live Tweeting the African Nations Cup

2012-01-28T11:52:00.000-05:00

Follow FOG's Twitter feed for live tweeting of Guinea's African Nations Cup 2012 matches.

[Guinean news] Guinean soccer team loses to Mali in Nations Cup

2012-01-24T15:57:00.002-05:00

Guinea's national soccer team lost by a 1-0 margin to Mali in both teams' opening match at the African Nations Cup tournament held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The Syli national lost to their neighbors despite creating far more quality scoring opportunities. Guinea's next group stage game is on Saturday against Botswana, a team making their first ever appearance at the tournament. Their final match will be next Wednesday against Ghana, one of the teams favored to win the tournament.

[Guinean news] Deadly rioting in Kamsar over power cuts

2012-01-18T14:36:00.001-05:00

Riots erupted in the northwestern town of Kamsar and one person was killed. The protests erupted in response to repeated power outages the mining town. An official for the mining company CBG said protesters blocked the railroad tracks but were dislodged by the army, according to Reuters.AFP added that over 30 were injured after soldiers fired on the protesters. The police station and gendarmerie were reportedly attacked and vehicles set ablaze.

[Guinean news] Syli national Nations Cup opens next week

2012-01-15T15:26:00.000-05:00

The Guinean national soccer team's opening match in the 2012 African Nations Cup will occur next week. The tournament will be held in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Guinea's opening round matches are as follows:

Jan. 24: vs Mali (1500 GMT)
Jan. 28: vs Botswana (1500 GMT)
Feb. 1: vs Ghana (1700 GMT)

The full Nations Cup schedule can be found here, though bear in mind that kickoffs on the linked to site are in central African time, which is two hours ahead of GMT and currently seven hours ahead of American EST.

Details regarding any television and/or online broadcasting are not available but readers are invited to share anything they learn.

[Guinean news] Govt, opposition open dialogue

2012-01-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

Late last month, the government of Pres. Alpha Condé, political opposition parties and civil society organizations met with each other, according to Jeune Afrique. The dialogue was established to alleviate tension following the indefinite postponement of legislative elections that had originally been scheduled for last December 29. Despite this, several key opposition figures, most notably former prime ministers Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Touré, were not present at the meeting.

[Guinean news] Army retires 4600 soldiers

2012-01-01T12:07:00.000-05:00

The Guinean government has forcibly retired some 4600 soldiers in a attempt to reform an institution described by Reuters as 'notoriously oversized and unruly army." Reports suggest that the army's ranks have quadrupled in the last decade.

[Guinean news] Legislative elections postponed indefinitely

2011-12-26T09:45:00.002-05:00

Guinean legislative elections scheduled for December 29 were postponed indefinitely, by the country's Independent National Electoral Comission. The postponement came in response to opposition demands for a delay to prevent fraud.

[Guinean news] Aftermath of July assassination attempt

2011-10-19T20:36:00.000-04:00

Africa Arguments (via AllAfrica.com) ran an in-depth analysis of the July 2011 assassination attempt against Pres. Alpha Condé and its implications on Guinean domestic politics.

[Guinean news] Soccer team qualifies for Nations Cup

2011-10-09T11:37:00.000-04:00

After a 2-2 draw with Nigeria in Lagos, Guinea's national team was a shock qualifier for the 2012 African Nations Cup at the host's expense. Nigeria was not the only fallen continental giant. Egypt, Cameroon and South Africa also failed to qualify for the tournament, which will be co-host early next year by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

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

2011-09-28T07:51:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-25T08:48:00.001-04:00

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

2011-09-15T21:08:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-14T09:27:00.004-04:00

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

2011-09-11T22:33:00.003-04:00

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.

[Peace Corps Guinea news] PCG videos

2011-07-31T13:24:00.002-04:00

Below are two cool YouTube videos on Peace Corps Guinea...

[Guinean news] Statement by Alliance Guinea on Pres. Conde's visit to Washington

2011-07-30T22:49:00.004-04:00

Below is a statement by our friends at Alliance Guinea on the occasion of Pres. Alpha Conde's recent visit to the White House with Pres. Obama.

NB: Une version en francais de cette declaration est disponible ici.
**

Dear President Obama:

As a nonpartisan organization of Guineans and friends of Guinea in America and around the world, Alliance Guinea wishes to thank you for your ongoing commitment to promoting a peaceful and democratic transition to civilian rule in Guinea. Your meeting on Friday with President Alpha Condé is a time to both celebrate Guinea’s significant progress toward a democratic state and to remind your counterpart that democracy cannot be accomplished with the grave curtailments of human rights and civic freedoms seen since he took office. Our analysis of the situation in Guinea and in the diaspora community suggests that unless these issues are addressed immediately, Guinea stands to lose all of the gains it has made to date – slipping back into authoritarianism and possibly even civil war that could endanger the entire sub-region. The consequences of such backsliding would be made all the worse by the loss of faith among citizens in the value of democratic elections.

Specifically, Alliance Guinea respectfully asks that you take advantage of this meeting with President Condé to address the following issues of great concern to all Guineans and friends of Guinea who wish to see the country realize true democracy, peace and sustainable development:

The attack against President Condé’s family residence is deeply troubling. But regardless of who is responsible, it must not be used as justification to conduct extra-judicial arrests and intimidation against those thought to oppose his administration. All those who have been arrested without due process should be openly charged or released, and violence against opposition members, media and business professionals must stop.

Legislative elections must be held before the end of the year, and in a safe and open atmosphere that facilitates campaigning across the country by all eligible candidates and allows all registered citizens to cast their votes in peace, and have that vote be counted.

The recent ban of all media coverage of the attacks against President Condé’s residence – as well as of all political talk shows of any kind in Guinea – must not be repeated.* It is essential that freedoms of press and expression, together with all civic rights protected by the Guinean constitution, be hereafter guaranteed for all Guineans.

Real dialogue must be held with members of the opposition parties in Guinea in order to ensure an open political environment as well as collaborative promotion of sustainable development in the country.

The grave and worsening ethnic tensions in Guinea should be addressed by the president, setting the example in reaching out to members of all ethnic and regional communities to promote inter-community dialogue and reconciliation.

The victims of the September 2009 atrocities and previous state crimes have yet to see justice. A truth commission or other process must be established to end the culture of impunity in Guinea.

As the historic opposition standard bearer in Guinea and winner of its first democratic elections, President Condé has an unprecedented opportunity to champion true democracy and to lead Guinea on a path that allows it to develop its incredible potential. As a leader for democracy in the world, the United States should take a stand in calling on President Condé to seize this opportunity and conduct state affairs with respect for his own constitution, international human rights treaties and the promises made to the Guinean people.

President Obama, thank you for your consideration and commitment to peace and democracy in Guinea.

[Guinean news] President survives assassination attempts; coup attempt?

2011-07-20T08:44:00.008-04:00

Guinean president Alpha Conde survived a middle of the night assassination attempt in which his residence in Conakry was assaulted with bullets and rockets. Three people were killed, including one bodyguard, according to the presidency.

The Canadian Press reported that: Conde was saved because he was sleeping in a different room when the shooting erupted outside his residence at around 3 a.m. Rocket-propelled grenades landed inside the compound and one of his bodyguards was killed, said Francois Louceny Fall, Conde's chief of staff. The bedroom was ripped apart, Conde told French radio RFI.

A second attack on his residence was launched hours later while Conde was meeting with the French ambassador.

Soldiers were quickly deployed throughout the capital.

The CP added: Country watchers had long predicted that holding a democratic vote would be only a first step in ending the army's stranglehold on Guinea. The bigger question is how the new leader relates to the military, whose members had total control of state affairs and who saw their privileges diminished by the election of a civilian president.

Amazingly, the size of the Guinean military quadrupled in the final years of the military junta.

Gen. Nouhou Thiam was one of those arrested, according to police. Thiam was army chief under the previous military regime and one of Conde's first acts was to replace him.

Guinea expert Mike McGovern at Yale University said, "It sounds like a coup attempt from within the army."

Reports indicate that activity in Conakry largely ground to a halt on Tuesday.

[Guinean news] No delay on legislative elections, says AG

2011-07-13T08:43:00.003-04:00

The advocacy group Alliance Guinea has called on President Alpha Conde to hold free and fair legislative elections before the end of 2011. The organization has urged the president to abandon the idea of having another national census before legislative elections, to ensure the neutrality of government officials and to encourage an open dialogue on the electoral process.

Their full press release can be read here.

[Peace Corps news] New PCV security legislation introduced

2011-07-12T08:29:00.002-04:00

In response to a controversy earlier this year regarding apparent poor handling by the Peace corps of incidents of rape and sexual assault of PCVs, legislation has been introduced by both the federal House of Representatives and the Senate intended to provide better security and protection measures for Volunteers.

According to the National Peace Corps Association, the House legislation would require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, and the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council.

The Senate legislation is "nearly identical," according to the NPCA.

[Guinean news] Legislative elections scheduled for November

2011-06-12T00:07:00.004-04:00

According to Guineenews, Guinea's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) has announced that legislative elections will be held this November. The CENI also announced that 200 million FG (a little under US$30,000) would be allocated for the conduct of the polls.

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

2011-05-20T07:44:00.005-04:00

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

2011-05-19T07:36:00.000-04:00

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.

[Peace Corps news] In case of a government shutdown...

2011-04-08T14:15:00.004-04:00

The National Peace Corps Association has a helpful article explaining contigencies related to a shutdown of federal government operations and how it might affect the Peace Corps and volunteers in the field.

[Guinean news] Protesters injured by security forces

2011-04-05T11:42:00.006-04:00

Jeune Afrique reports that dozens of protesters were injured when security forces fired on protesters. The supporters of losing presidential candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo had gathered at the Conakry airport to protest against President Alpha Condé's regime. The pan-African weekly quoted Guinea's chief human rights advocate saying that 27 people were hospitalized after the incident, 8 of whom were injured by bullets. He added that it was highly likely that there were others injured being treated at private clinics. There are no reports of deaths at this time.

[Guinean news] Protests in Kankan

2011-03-22T08:39:00.005-04:00

Guineenews reports protests were held in Kankan demanding the departure of the region's administrative authorities. Protesters called for the resignation of the governor and the prefet, both military men, for being unable to resolve a shortage of gasoline that has hit Kankan in the last week. The mayor, for his part, was reproached for bad management of public resources. The marches were mostly peaceful, but reports indicate that some youths threw rocks and otherwise damaged property.

Update: Guineenews has just reported that President Alpha Conde has named 15 new prefets, including a new one for Kankan.

When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the Peace Corps and Its First Fifty Years

2011-02-23T07:59:00.002-05:00

Stanley Meisler has recently published a history of the Peace Corps entitled When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the Peace Corps and Its First Fifty Years by Beacon Press of Boston. Meisler was an early deputy director of the Peace Corps and long-time foreign correspondent for The Los Angeles Times. Meisler has also written books on the United Nations and its former secretary general Kofi Annan. For more information, visit the author's website: www.stanleymeisler.com/

Drugs trafficking and Guinea

2011-02-10T12:23:00.001-05:00

This article from The New York Times about the much-publicized Wikileaks’ diplomatic cables reports the influence of narco-traffickers in Guinea during the regime of Lansana Conté. With neighboring Guinea-Bissau often referred to as Africa’s first narco state and with parts of Mali also used by the drugs traffickers, it’s unlikely that their influence has completely disappeared with the end of Conté’s reign.

{Guinean news] Conde names new PM

2010-12-25T12:33:00.004-05:00

Guinea's newly-installed president Alpha Conde has named Mohamed Said Fofana as his government's new prime minister. Fofana was formerly director of economic research in the country's commerce ministry.

On a related note, a couple of good articles on Guinea's democratic transition include Guinea: Tyranny to Democracy (Liberia's The Analyst) and Guinea's Election An Example to All (VOA).

[Guinean news] Alpha Conde inauguration (video)

2010-12-22T08:43:00.004-05:00

The Guinean state television broadcaster RTG's news program offered coverage of Alpha Conde's swearing in as Guinea's first democratically elected president (courtesy of Guineenews).

[Guinean news] Alpha Conde inaugurated while Ivorian refugees flee into Guinea

2010-12-21T23:10:00.007-05:00

Former political prisoner Alpha Conde was sworn in today as Guinea's first democratically elected president. He took the oath of office at Conakry's Palais du peuple in front of numerous heads of state, including the presidents of South Africa and Liberia.

The country's outgoing military leader Gen. Sekouba Konate described the inauguration as an 'act of rebirth' for the country.

Agence France Presse noted that the ceremony included a minute's silence in memory of the 157 opposition supporters massacred by forces loyal to former junta leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara at a stadium in the capital in September 2009, a tragedy widely seen as the real beginning of Guinea's democratization process.

Guinea's election was accepted peacefully, if grudgingly, by the losing candidates. However, the same can not be said of neighboring Cote d'Ivoire, where an election controversy has provoked fears of another civil war in the country. Such tension has provoked over 200 Ivorian refugees so far to flee to Guinea, according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

[Guinean news] Dadis to attend Conde investiture?

2010-12-13T08:21:00.004-05:00

The Guineenews weekly press review discusses media speculation that deposed junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara may attend the swearing in of the new president Prof. Alpha Conde. Dadis has not been seen in public since being wounded in an assassination attempt in Dec. 2009.

Also, the Guinean government has lifted the state of emergency and re-opened the country's borders; both measures had been imposed to ease post-electoral violence.

[Guinean news] Condé declared winner by court; Diallo accepts defeat

2010-12-03T18:13:00.004-05:00

RPG leader Alpha Condé has been officially declared winner of the Guinean presidential election by the country's Supreme Court.

Crucially, UFGD leader Cellou Dalein Diallo accepted the Court's decision, although he did contend that they didn't take his complaints into account.

[Guinean news] State of emergency declared

2010-11-17T11:26:00.003-05:00

Both Guinéenews and Radio France Internationale are reporting that Gen. Sékouba Konaté has declared a state of emergency in Guinea following post-electoral violence which has claimed several lives. Gen. Konaté declared that the state of emergency would last until definitive election results were announced by the Supreme Court.

[Guinean news] Conde declared winner by Electoral Commission

2010-11-15T22:11:00.007-05:00

Long-time opposition leader Alpha Conde has been declared the winner of the presidential runoff election by Guinea's Independent National Electoral Commission. The body credited the RPG leader with 52.5 percent of the vote compared to 47.5 percent for UFDG leader and former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo.

However, it remains to be seen whether Diallo's supporters will accept the result, after the party withdrew from the vote counting procedure.

Following the announcement of Conde's victory, gunshots were reportedly heard in several parts of Conakry. However, Diallo made a public appeal, urging Guineans to 'avoid violence' while the Supreme Court investigated allegations of electoral irregularities.

[Guinean news] Clashes sparked as both candidates declare victory

2010-11-15T15:04:00.002-05:00

Both candidates in Guinea’s presidential runoff have declared victory, sparking clashes between supporters and police.

RPG candidate Alpha Condé claimed a poll win during a press conference. The long-time opposition leader asked, "How is it that I can win 4 of the 5 communes in Conakry, all of the prefectures in Lower Guinea except for Boke, all the prefectures of the Forest and all the prefectures in Upper Guinea and not win the election?"

UFDG candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo went one step further: proclaiming himself president of the Republic.

The declaration came a day after the UFDG withdrew from the vote counting process. Diallo declared he would not accept the outcome of the vote because the election commission has refused to throw out ballots from two contested provinces [Siguiri and Kouroussa] which were swept by anti-Peul riots in the days before the poll. Diallo said his supporters were too intimidated to show up to vote and his party could not even find representatives to oversee the counting of ballots, reported the Canadian Press.

The International Criminal Court urged Guineans to avoid the same post-electoral bloodshed that tore apart Kenya a few years ago.

According to the most recent figures available from Guinea’s Independent Electoral Commission, Diallo had a narrow 50.62%-49.38% but with just under half the votes counted. However, Voice of America’s Conakry correspondent opined that Condé is likely to win, suggesting that this is what sparked the UFDG boycott.

[Guinean news] Election day resources

2010-11-07T08:23:00.007-05:00

Today, Guineans are voting in the long-delayed presidential run off election between former prime minister Cellou Dallein Diallo and long-time opposition leader Alpha Conde.

Here are a some Twitter feeds that are covering the election to vary degrees. (Click on the links to go to the pages)

-Alliance Guinea

-Guineenews (in French)

-African Elections Project - Guinea

-Radio France Internationale - Afrique (in French)

[Guinean news] Nov. 7th new date for presidential run-off

2010-10-27T21:50:00.003-04:00

Guinea's long delayed presidential run-off election has a new scheduled date: November 7.

Note: Make sure to follow FOG's Twitter feed for regular updates.

[Guinean news] Families of massacre victims banned from gathering

2010-09-28T18:37:00.002-04:00

Today, the families of the 157 people killed in Conakry’s 28 September Stadium were banned from gathering or approaching the venue to mark the first anniversary of the massacre.

In a statement read Tuesday on state TV, the Minister of Religious Affairs Mustapha Koutoubou Sanoh asked the families of the victims to mark the date by praying for their loved one at the nearest mosque or church. Implicit in his instructions was the fact that families would not be allowed to march to the stadium, or enter it to place flowers as they had planned, reports the Associated Press.

Military trucks blocked entrances to the stadium and were also stationed at key intersections, the wire service added.

Voice of America noted that a foundation has been set up to keep alive the memory of the victims and to push for accountability for the peretrators.

For its part, Human Rights Watch called for the implementation of long-delayed justice for the stadium massacre.

Additionally, NGOs called for sweeping reforms of the Guinean military.

Meanwhile, there may be another delay in the presidential runoff, now proposed for October 10.

[Guinean news] Oct. 10 proposed as new poll date

2010-09-24T08:29:00.003-04:00

Guinea's Independent National Electoral Commission has proposed October 10 as the date for the long delayed presidential election runoff.

[Guinean news] Suspicious fire at elections HQ

2010-09-17T20:56:00.003-04:00

The website Portail des élections d'Afrique reports that there was a fire at the Almamy Samory Touré military camp in Conakry, which is the central location for housing ballot papers and other electoral materials. The website reports that the fire happened in 'mysterious circumstances' but noted that further information has been hard to come by.

[Guinean news] Guinea runoff postponed indefinitely following violence

2010-09-15T21:16:00.000-04:00

The Guinean state broadcaster RTG has announced that the second round of the presidential election has been postponed. Junta leader Gen. Sékouba Konaté has pushed back the Sept. 19 runoff ‘indefinitely,’ according to Guinéenews. The BBC World Service radio speculated that the delay might be for two weeks.

The postponement followed weekend clashes between supporters of former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo and Prof. Alpha Condé, which left one dead and 50 injured. In a speech to the nation, Gen. Konaté also urged the rival candidates to keep their partisans under control.

The World Service also reported on logistical problems. The Independent National Electoral Commission noted that it was missing some 460,000 voting cards due to arrive from South Africa on Sunday night, the evening of the originally scheduled runoff.

[Guinean news] Second round set for September 19

2010-08-18T09:53:00.000-04:00

The ruling military junta has confirmed that the second round of Guinea's presidential election is scheduled for September 19. It will involve former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo and longtime opposition leader Alpha Condé, who received 43.7% and 18.3% of the vote respectively in the first round.

[Guinean news] Poll date still unconfirmed

2010-08-02T22:40:00.005-04:00

It is still unclear when the second round of Guinea's presidential election will take place. The runoff was supposed to be held on July 18 however it was delayed while the Supreme Court ruled on claims of voting irregularities. Prime Minister Jean-Marie Dore proposed August 22 for the runoff, which was seconded by Cellou Dalein Diallo, the leading vote getter in the first round. However, it is not certain when the poll will be scheduled. Diallo will face off against long time opposition leader Alpha Conde.

[Guinean news] Losing candidates cry foul; Konaté threatens to resign

2010-07-07T19:52:00.002-04:00

Conduct of the first round of presidential elections were generally praised by the international community, including ECOWAS and the United States.

However, the Carter Center did cite concerns, including: Confusion about several important aspects of voting and counting procedures, delay in allocation of polling stations, and late delivery of essential voting materials negatively affected the quality of polling.

The top two finishers will contest a run off: former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo and longtime opposition leader Alpha Condé. The second round was originally scheduled for July 18 but reports have suggested that it will not take place on that date, since the Constitutional Court will not rule on the validity of the first round results until July 13.

The interim government banned public demonstrations following the first round and broke up with tear gas a march held in defiance of the ban.

Several opposition candidates complained about electoral irregularities, most vehemently the UFR's candidate Sidya Touré. Touré, another former prime minister, finished third in the first round, about 5 percentage points behind Condé.

Touré attacked the president of the transition Gen. Sékouba Konaté as well as the French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner.

The acting head of state Gen. Konaté responded angrily to the 'offensive' questioning of his neutrality and set off a mini-crisis when he threatened to resign. However, he appears to have been dissuaded from this course of action by Senegal's leader Abdoulaye Wade and African Union chief Jean Ping.

[Guinean news] Dalien and Condé to contest presidential runoff

2010-07-02T19:40:00.001-04:00

Guinéenews and several other media outlets are reporting that the results of the first round of Guinea's presidential vote have been announced by the country's Independent Electoral Commission. The two highest vote getters were former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, with nearly 40 pct. of the vote, and longtime opposition leader Alpha Condé, with a little over 20 pct. of the vote. Another former prime minister, Sidya Touré, was in third with 15.6 pct. The runoff between Dalien and Condé, expected to be confirmed by the Supreme Court, is presently scheduled for July 18, but the AP is reporting that the date may be pushed back until later in the month.

[Guinean news] You can be a monitor for Guinea's election... without leaving your home

2010-06-22T09:43:00.006-04:00

Our colleagues at Alliance Guinea have launched a 'high-tech election monitoring system' in support of this Sunday's presidential election in the country.

The system, GV10 Witness (or GV10 Temoin, in French), will allow Guineans on the ground to report violence, threats of violence, fraud and other serious incidents via SMS, email and Twitter.

The messages will then be posted to the website www.GV10Temoin.org on a map of Guinea, organized by incident location and type of incident or report. People monitoring the elections – whether election administrators and observers, international media, civil society organizations or the general public – will then be able to follow developments on the site or through email updates.

This effort will require volunteers to process the information. If you'd like to help, please click here for more information.

[Guinean news] Less than a week until historic elections

2010-06-21T09:24:00.003-04:00

Campaigning and preparations in Guinea are well underway for the June 27 poll, expected to be the first ever free and democratic elections in the country's history. Some 24 candidates are contesting the presidential election, none soldiers.

The US NGO the Carter Center has sent a delegation to monitor the vote and has described the campaign as 'positive.' The African Union has also praised preparations.

The Economist had a profile of the head of state Gen. Sekouba Konate and his efforts to ensure that both the elections and the future civilian administration remain free of military meddling. Additionally, the army chief of staff Col. Nouhou Thiam warned that there would be no immunity for soldiers involved in the Sept. 28, 2009 massacre.

However, Foreign Policy warns that challenges remain beyond the formal election. It published an article on 'Guinea's economic junta' which noted that the army's domination of lucrative mineral contracts won't end with the ascension of a democratic head of state.

[Guinean news] Presidential election: only for the wealthy

2010-05-13T08:56:00.003-04:00

The Burkinabe site Fasozine (via AllAfrica.com) reported that Guinea's National Independent Electoral Commission decided that aspirants for the June 27 presidential election must submit a deposit of 500 million Guinean francs (about US$100,000) to ensure their candidacy.

[Guinea/RCPV news] Guinea RPCV to be on radio show today discussing journalism and democracy

2010-05-12T10:01:00.001-04:00

Guinea RPCV Jennifer Swift-Morgan, co-founder of our partner organization Alliance Guinea, will appear on WNYC radio's The Brian Lehrer Show. She will be appearing with Nassirou Diallo, a Guinean journalist who fled the country following last year's massacres. They will appear on the show at around 10:30 am on Wednesday May 12 to discuss the topic of journalism and democracy in Guinea. The show can be listened to live online at WNYC's website or after the fact on demand after the fact here. Diallo will also be a featured speaker this evening at an event at Columbia University; click here for more details.

Democracy and media freedom in Guinea: a discussion in NYC

2010-05-06T16:38:00.003-04:00

From Alliance Guinea

Democracy Under Fire:
Freedom of Media in Guinea

When: Wednesday, May 12, 7-9pm
Where: Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Stabile Student Center

Moderator: Milton Allimadi, Publisher & CEO, Black Star News
Featured Speaker: Nassirou Diallo, Le 4ème Pouvoir

Panel discussion and interactive debate to follow.

On September 28, 2009, the military of the West African country of Guinea stormed a stadium filled with tens of thousands of peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators and opened fire. In the end over 150 people were killed, 1700 wounded and more than 100 women and girls brutally raped in what a Human Rights Watch and a UN Commission of Inquiry have deemed crimes against humanity.

Journalist Nassirou Diallo was there - covering the events live on the radio before the station owner cut the signal. It wasn't the first time his reporting and political talk shows had put him in danger and the previous threats, arrests, and beatings he and other journalists in Guinea had received from soldiers told him that this last eye witness report would not be tolerated. He left Guinea that night and is now a journalist in exile living in New York City, using new media to continue his work in the run-up to the elections now scheduled for June 27 in Guinea. If held they will be the first democratic presidential elections in the country's history.

Join this talk with a journalist on the frontlines and a lively panel of experts addressing questions of the freedom of media in times of political and social turmoil and the situation in Guinea in particular, the nexus of journalism and activism, and the role of new media in opening the space for expression across borders and diasporas.

The Columbia School of Journalism is located at 2950 Broadway at 116th St., New York, NY, 10027 - see here for directions

Presented by Alliance Guinea in partnership with the Columbia University School of Journalism, the Guinean Forces Vives in the USA, the Committee to Protect Journalists and Columbia University's African Studies Working Group. To RSVP and for more information email allianceguinea@gmail.com or connect on Facebook.

For Black Star New's feature on Nassirou Diallo, "Guinea Frontline Reporter," see http://www.blackstarnews.com/news/135/ARTICLE/6461/2010-04-12.html

Periodic Twitter update

2010-04-15T16:44:00.001-04:00

Note: This is a periodic series of blog entries highlighting selected stories from FOG's Twitter feed recently. This is for the benefit of blog readers who do not subscribe to Twitter. However those that are interested are encouraged to subscribe our Twitter feed to get all stories by going to Twitter.com/friendsofguinea and clicking 'follow'.

-Moussa Dadis Camara and the elections in Guinea (via The New Yorker)

- Sierra Leone to host West Africa health confab (via Africanews)

-Voici ce que dit la nouvelle Constitution de la Guinée à adopter! (via Guinéenews)

- Peace Corps Devs Win Web Award for Remix Site (Read Write Web)

- Half of People Killed on Roads are Not in Cars (via VOA Africa)

(National) Peace Corps Association Launches 'Africa Rural Connect' to Help Farmers (via VOA Africa)

Peace Corps Promotes Health via Mobile Phone (via America.gov)

PC service opportunity in Guinea

2010-04-10T08:24:00.001-04:00

I received the following message from Peace Corps Response (formerly Crisis Corps), a program of the Peace Corps.

Peace Corps Response is currently looking for RPCVs to serve a nine-month tour in Guinea as secondary-school teachers for math, chemistry and physics. The Peace Corps program was suspended in 2009 due to civil unrest, but is now in the first phase of re-establishing a presence in Guinea. Response Volunteers are being asked to support the initial re-entry by filling a vital gap between the start of the academic year and the re-introduction of two-year Peace Corps Volunteers.

As a former Guinea Volunteer, we would like to encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for one of these positions. PCRVs will teach classes ranging in size from 25-100 students, prepare lessons, proctor exams, and participate in school administrative activities. Applicants must have a degree in a related field, advanced French proficiency and familiarity with developing instructional materials.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Guinean news] Junta hires ex-war crimes prosecutor for PR campaign

2010-03-16T23:34:00.005-04:00

Africa Confidential is a subscription-only news service but a free preview to a recent article began:

Blamed for the massacre of over 100 civilians last September, the junta in Conakry is trying to improve its image via a United States-based public relations company run by two former Department of Defense (DOD) officials. David Crane, who was the first Chief Prosecutor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone before his departure in 2005, has made a surprise return to West Africa as a consultant to Guinea’s embattled military junta, the Conseil National pour la Démocratie et le Développement (CNDD).

Foreign Policy also has a piece (the full of which is available for free) on the controversial work of the CW Group, which includes former Sierra Leone war crimes tribunal prosecutor David Crane.

[Guinean news] Presidential election set for June 27

2010-03-08T15:58:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, acting head of state Gen. Sékouba Konaté signed a decree setting June 27 as the date for the first round of the presidential election. The decree fixed July 18 as the run off date, if no candidate gets a majority of the vote in the first round. It is not clear when legislative elections will be held.

[Guinea news] US State Dept. statement

2010-03-08T15:57:00.001-05:00

The US State Department issued the following the statement regarding the transitional government in Guinea:

The United States welcomes Prime Minister Jean-Marie Dore’s appointment of a transition government in Guinea. The 34-member cabinet includes 24 civilians, and represents an important step towards restoring civilian control of the Guinean Government and the country’s transition process. With the January 15 signing of the Ouagadougou Accords, the subsequent appointment of a civilian prime minister, and now a civilian transition government, interim President General Sekouba Konate and the Guinean Government continue to demonstrate their commitment to a peaceful transition to a democratically elected civilian government. Under the Accords, the government is slated to hold elections within six months.
With the transition government in place, the United States looks forward to working with Guinea -- in collaboration with our international partners -- to help facilitate the establishment of a democratically-elected government, restore economic and political development programs and assist the Guinean Armed Forces in their goal of security sector reform.

[Advocacy news] Alliance Guinea to meet with State Dept. officials

2010-03-03T05:41:00.001-05:00

I received the following message from our colleagues at the advocacy group Alliance Guinea:

We have been invited by the State Department, to a special briefing for representatives of Nongovernmental Organizations, on the Current Situation in Guinea. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, William Fitzgerald, will discuss ways that the United States can help facilitate the establishment of a democratically-elected government, restore economic and political development programs in Guinea this Friday, March 5, 2010 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.at the State Department.

Alliance Guinea will be represented and we would like to make sure that we are representing your voices, so we are reaching out to all Alliance Guinea members to gather your message for the State Department.

What would you like to see the State Department doing to support the transition to democracy, and help bring justice for the victims of crimes against humanity committed during last year dreadful events, in Guinea? Any questions or concerns that you would like the State Department to address?

Please take a moment to write few lines addressing the questions above and send us your reply no later than Thursday March, 4th.

We look forward to hearing from you,
Thank you,
Alliance Guinea

[Advocacy news] Advocate for Guinea!

2010-02-10T15:00:00.001-05:00

A message from our colleagues at Alliance Guinea:

Congressional outreach is off to a fast start, but it’s not too late to join up! Americans and Guineans are already teaming up in North Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Minnesota to convince their Congresspersons to commit real, tangible support to the democracy movement in Guinea . If you live in NJ, DC, or MN, contact Brian (brian_d_b@yahoo.com) or Mackenzie (mackpfeifer@yahoo.com) ASAP to get connected with the teams there. We also have volunteers looking to partner in other locales across the U.S. , so send us an email no matter where you live and we’ll get you started.

Obama promised hope for Guinea in his Address last week. Help make sure that America follows through on that promise.

- The Alliance Guinea Congressional Outreach Team

[Guinean news] Civilian opposition leader named prime minister

2010-01-19T13:51:00.001-05:00

Long-time opposition leader Jean-Marie Doré, head of the UPG party, has been named the country's prime minister by the ruling military junta. Trade union leader Hadja Rabiatou Sera Diallo, who came to prominence during the 2007 general strike, was named one of two vice prime ministers. A high-ranking military man will become the other vice prime minister.

In addition to organizing upcoming elections, the prime minister-designate indicated that his other priority was "to start the restructuring of the armed forces."

A spokesman said that the new cabinet would consist of 30 members - 10 from the ruling junta, 10 from the opposition, and 10 representatives from the regions.

Reminder: FOG's Twitter feed is updated several times daily with links to news and current events. It can be found at: www.twitter.com/friendsofguinea or if you're on Twitter, just follow @friendsofguinea

[Guinean news] Power sharing accord reportedly to be signed but Guinea remains tense and military split

2010-01-15T12:32:00.016-05:00

Note: Events have been moving quickly in Guinea in recent weeks. You are encouraged to subscribe (follow) our Twitter feed, which is updated several times a day. It can be found at @friendsofguinea on Twitter or http://twitter.com/friendsofguinea

The head of Guinea's military junta Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara was flown from Morocco to Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou. Dadis had spent a month in hospital in the North African country after being wounded in an assassination attempt. Reports indicate that Dadis thought he was being flown directly to Conakry and was furious when he realized otherwise. Supporters of the junta leader have demanded he be returned to Guinea.

The International Criminal Court is investigating Dadis' alleged role in the September 28, 2009 massacres in Conakry; the report of a UN inquiry into the killings is available here.

Morocco is not a part of the ICC while Burkina Faso is. Additional, Burkina Faso's leader Blaise Compaore is mediating in the Guinean crisis on behalf of the West African regional grouping ECOWAS. Speculation is that these reasons played a role in Morocco's decision to send Dadis to Ouagadougou.

In the absence of Capt. Dadis, Guinea's acting leader has been the more moderate defense minister Gen. Sekouba Konate. Konate threatened to resign if Dadis did not compromise on terms to a transition to civilian rule.

Splits in the army remain, with supporters of Dadis wanting the charismatic captain to remain in power indefinitely while Gen. Konate and others want to return civilian constitutional order as quickly as possible. A spokesman for Konate said, "The general has made it very clear that he is not interested in staying in power. He made it very clear that he is there to restore discipline within the army and create conditions for a transition.

Meanwhile, Guinea's southern neighbors are worried about the effects of any civil strife on their country. A member of Sierra Leone's parliament warned that if the Republic of Guinea should explode, Sierra Leone would be consumed in less than a week; and if the situation in Guinea is not treated seriously, Sierra Leone's survival and livelihood as a state would be affected.

Today, Radio France Internationale reports that an accord was signed in Burkina Faso, between Dadis and Konate, whereby Dadis would remain in 'convalescence' and elections would be scheduled in six months. The AP has this as well. The BBC added that the accord stated that Dadis would support the transition to civilian rule.

Alliance Guinea reported that Dadis had accepted the principle of a prime minister from the opposition and that Saratou Sara Diallo and long time opposition figure Jean-Marie Dore were the two names it had proposed.

Update: al-Jazeera adds that the accord bans members of the junta as well as any active military serviceman from standing in the elections.

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

2009-12-17T10:40:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-09T17:02:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-08T10:27:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-08T09:28:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-04T10:06:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-03T23:21:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-01T17:30:00.001-05:00

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.

[Guinean news] Prominent human rights activist arrested; ICG head calls Dadis unstable

2009-11-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

According to the Voice of America, Mouctar Diallo, a prominent Guinean human rights' activist, was arrested by soldiers in Conakry. The head of Guinea's main human rights' advocacy organization says Diallo was arrested because of an interview he gave to the Voice of America on September 28th -- the day soldiers opened fire on protestors in the capital's main sports stadium.

The arrest is seen as an attempt to intimidate potential witnesses, as the United Nations' inquiry into the Sept. 28 massacres began work a week and a half ago.

In an op-ed in The New York Times, International Crisis Group president Louise Arbour called on the main mediator, Burkina Faso president Blaise Compaoré, to stick to the West African regional bloc ECOWAS' main initial objective: managing the junta's exit from power. Arbour, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that junta leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara "gives signs of mental instability" but warns that attempts to replace him with another general might fracture the military's already shaky unity.

[Advocacy news] Pro-democracy march in NYC on Dec. 8

2009-11-29T21:34:00.000-05:00

From: Alliance Guinea

This is far from over - the latest news out of Guinea is a proposed deal that would have the CNDD junta heading a "national transition council" for up to 10 months and open the door for Dadis to stand in elections. At the same time, the UN is beginning the work of the international commission of inquiry into the crimes of September 28, but it's clear that more international pressure against the military and support for the population is needed.

Here in New York Alliance Guinea has joined forces with the Guinean Forces Vives in the US and our friends Kadiatou Diallo and Norman Siegel of the Amadou Diallo Foundation to form the "September 28 Coalition for Justice and Democracy in Guinea."

Together we are organizing a march and rally on Tuesday, December 8 from 11am - 3pm to demand justice for the crimes committed and support for a speedy and democratic transition to civilian rule in Guinea. At 11am we will gather in front of the Guinean consulate at 140 E. 39th St., marching then to 47th Street and rallying by noon at Dag Hammarskjold Park in front of the United Nations. See Stay tuned for a list of expected speakers.

If you live far from New York and cannot join us in person, here are two things you can still do:

1. Make a donation – help us offset the cost of the rally (permits, transport, stage & sound system costs, etc.) through our new online giving button at www.allianceguinea.org. Check it out and pass the word – every gift counts!

2. Write a letter (again!) to your local newspaper or Congressperson/Member of Parliament and tell them about the march and how the latest news out of Guinea confirms the critical need for international pressure and support is critical to getting justice and preventing what could spiral into civil war. For sample letters and other tips, see http://www.allianceguinea.org/advocacy-what-you-can-do/

And if you are in the New York area and can’t make it during lunch hour on Tuesday, don’t miss for what is going to be an amazing "Musique contre la Violence" unity night in Harlem on December 9 at 8pm at Shrine in Harlem with some of the greatest masters of Guinean music living in America and guest speakers from the September 28 Coalition.

The situation in Guinea is just as dire as ever, and justice must be served and the military must go. As those of us here in the US gather for Thanksgiving this week, let us give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy and continue to do all we can to help our friends and family enjoy the same.

Weekly Twitter update (Nov. 19-25)

2009-11-27T09:39:00.000-05:00

Note: This is a new weekly series of blog entries highlighting selected stories from FOG's Twitter feed. This is for the benefit of blog readers who do not subscribe to Twitter. However those that are interested are encouraged to subscribe our Twitter feed to get all stories by going to Twitter.com/friendsofguinea and clicking 'follow'.

-Uncertainty over toxic chemicals in Conakry (IRIN)

-[South African] Mercenaries complicate peace bid (Iol.co.za)

-Guinea: Opposition rejects peace deal (Africa News)

-Unearthing the truth of Guinea 'bloodbath' (BBC)

-L'élection présidentielle est "techniquement impossible" à organiser le 31 janvier (Jeune Afrique)

[Advocacy news] Photos of march in Washington

2009-11-22T15:33:00.000-05:00

RPCV Claire Lea pointed out this site that has photos of the recent march in Washington protesting the Guinean junta.

Weekly Twitter update (11/12-11/18)

2009-11-18T10:01:00.001-05:00

Note: I'm beginning a weekly series of blog entries highlighting selected stories from FOG's Twitter feed. This is for the benefit of blog readers who do not wish to subscribe to the feed. However those that are interested are encouraged to subscribe our Twitter feed to get all stories by going to Twitter.com/friendsofguinea and clicking 'follow'.

Some stories from the last seven days... to view any of the stories, just click on the tite...

-Dissolution of the Guinean national soccer team for poor results and indiscipline (in French) -- Casafree.com

-South Africans 'training Guinea junta' -- Johannesburg Daily Mail & Guardian

-Dadis creates his own political party (in French) -- Web Guinée

-Moussa Conte is the second son of the Guinea's former president to be charged with drugs trafficking -- BBC WS Focus on Africa

-Guinea Military Threatens Problems if Current Leader is Forced Out -- Voice of America

-Guinea: after the massacre, the economy suffocated -- Eco89

"Thousands in Washington call for justice, with women in the lead"

2009-11-03T19:14:00.000-05:00

From: Alliance Guinea (reposted with permission)

Thousands in Washington call for justice, with women in the lead
With a huge showing of women in the lead, an estimated 5000 people from at least 11 states across the east coast and Midwest – Guineans and friends of Guinea – marched in front of the White House and to the US State Department today to increase awareness of the atrocities of September 28 and to demand justice for the victims and help for a transition to democratic elections in Guinea. The marchers highlighted in particular the horrific violence committed against women that day and made it clear that these sacrifices must not be in vain.

In addition to the march, members of the Movement of Guinean Women in the United States and the Guinean Forces Vives in the US met with staff at the State Department where they fully briefed the African bureau on the current situation in Guinea and discussed strategies for continued U.S. support of an end to military rule in the country. In addition, a second delegation of Guinean civil society members and American friends of Guinea met with the staff of key offices on Capitol Hill to raise awareness of the situation in Congress and garner additional support.

Submitted this letter in the name of the Movement of Guinean Women and Guinean Forces Vives in the US and Alliance Guinea, clearly making the case for why action is needed now and what further steps the United States in particular can take to accelerate the transition.

In addition to people residing in Washington DC, marchers came in from Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Ohio, Indiana, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, with 17 buses from New York alone to show unity and solidarity for the people of Guinea and demand that action be taken now in the name of human rights and democracy.

Were you at the march? What was it like to express your views in front of the White House, State Department, and US Congress? Share with us your experiences here.

[Guinean news] Sept. 28 massacre was 'premeditated': HRW

2009-11-02T20:06:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that readers are encouraged to subscribe to Friends of Guinea's Twitter feed. Just go to and follow:

twitter.com/friendsofguinea

I post there links to news articles and columns related to the Guinea, Peace Corps and other stories that may be of interest to FOG members. Since I am usually just re-posting what I've found elsewhere, the Twitter feed gets updated more often than this blog, several times a week (But don't worry, any updates to this blog are also posted there).

One of the most prominent stories since the infamous Sept. 28 massacre was a report by Human Rights Watch (found here) which concluded that the massacre was in fact premeditated.

This is in stark contrast to claims by junta leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara that the killings were committed by out-of-control elements of the army and presidential guards and were not indicative of anything systematic. Dadis also claimed that the actions were in response to "provocation" by demonstrators protesting his decision to run in next January's presidential election.

HRW wrote that it found that members of the Presidential Guard carried out a premeditated massacre of at least 150 people on September 28 and brutally raped dozens of women. Red berets shot at opposition supporters until they ran out of bullets, then continued to kill with bayonets and knives.

The Africa director of HRW said, "Security forces surrounded and blockaded the stadium, then stormed in and fired at protesters in cold blood until they ran out of bullets. They carried out grisly gang rapes and murders of women in full sight of the commanders. That’s no accident."

HRW also discounted claims that the massacre was provoked.

Witness accounts and video evidence obtained by Human Rights Watch showing the stadium crowd just before the shooting shows a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere with opposition supporters singing, dancing, marching around the stadium with posters and the Guinean flag, and even praying.

Human Rights Watch has not seen any evidence that any opposition supporters were armed, and no security officials were wounded by opposition supporters at the stadium, suggesting that there was no legitimate threat posed by the opposition supporters that required the violence that followed.

Witnesses said that as soon as the Presidential Guard entered the stadium, its members began firing point-blank directly into the massive crowd of protesters, killing dozens and sowing panic.

The NGO also warned of an ethnic nature behind the killings, noting that majority of the victims were from the Peuhl ethnic group, which is almost exclusively Muslim, while most of the commanders at the stadium – and indeed key members of the ruling CNDD, including Camara, the coup leader – belong to ethnic groups from the southeastern forest region, which are largely Christian or animist.

[Advocacy news] March for Guinea in DC on October 26

2009-10-22T19:03:00.002-04:00

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.

[PC Guinea news] Peace Corps Guinea reportedly suspended

2009-10-20T09:36:00.003-04:00

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.

[Guinean news] General strike paralyzes Conakry; PCVs evacuated; EU calls for Dadis to be tried

2009-10-14T13:33:00.001-04:00

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.

[FOG news] Friends of Guinea statement on the events in Guinea

2009-10-08T19:13:00.004-04:00

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.

Communiqué de presse sur la situation en Guinée

2009-10-08T05:28:00.002-04:00

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.

[Advocacy news] Alliance Guinea calls for help from lawyers, educators, politicos, journalists and humanitarians

2009-10-07T12:40:00.002-04:00

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

[Guinean news] Guinean women increasingly 'prey' of soldiers; Sec. Clinton calls for junta to leave power

2009-10-07T12:40:00.001-04:00

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.

[FOG news] Friends of Guinea is now on Twitter

2009-10-06T23:59:00.001-04:00

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.

[Guinean news] General strikes in Siguiri, Kissidougou; Compaoré arrives in Conakry

2009-10-05T22:22:00.000-04:00

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.

[Guinean news] Update on the situation in Guinea

2009-10-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

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)

[RPCV news] Guinea Solidarité Facebook page and website

2009-10-04T23:58:00.003-04:00

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/

[Guinean news] Call for witnesses from Human Rights Watch

2009-10-04T23:57:00.002-04:00

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.

[PC Guinea news] PCVs reportedly to be evacuated

2009-10-04T23:33:00.002-04:00

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.

[PC Guinea news] Peace Corps Monitoring Security Situation in Guinea

2009-10-02T09:44:00.000-04:00

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...

[Guinean news] As many as 87 (120+?) dead after security forces attack anti-Dadis march

2009-09-28T21:24:00.003-04:00

Initial optimism about the new regime has faded dramatically ever since junta leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara reneged on a promise to not participate in presidential elections scheduled for January 31.

A new political party, the Rally for the Defense of the Republic, was formed to back the military leader's candidacy. After Dadis, who unilaterally declared himself president following the death of Gen. Lansana Conté, broke his pledge not to run for the chief executive, the African Union imposed sanctions on Guinea.

Anti-Dadis has been rising ever since the coup leader's electoral ambitions became clear. He was met by huge protests when he visited Labé, the country's second largest city. And when the opposition tried to organize a rally against the regime, the junta banned it.

When the demonstration proceeded anyway, the "security" forces fired live ammunition at the crowd, reportedly killing dozens of demonstrators.

"It's butchery! There are dozens of dead," a Conakry doctor told the French news agency AFP.

Some media outlets reporting the death total as high as 87.

Another Conakry doctor told the IRIN news agency that there were 'hundreds' of injuries from bullets and beatings.

The massacre occurred on the 51st anniversary of the referendum in which Guineans voted for independence from France.

Update: Al-Jazeera reports that opposition leader and former prime minister Cellou Dalien Diallo and several other politicians were thrown in jail. A source indicated to me that Diallo was also shot during the protests. New reports suggest the death toll now exceeds 120.

[Guinean news] Violent Clash in Conakry

2009-09-28T17:59:00.002-04:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8279103.stm

[Guinean news] Junta bans politics on state media, shuts down text messaging amid rising political tension

2009-09-03T15:22:00.000-04:00

Despite previously promising that he would not stand in presidential elections now scheduled for January 2010, Guinea's military leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara seems to be encouraging rumors that he actually win run, prompting a rise in political tension in the country.

A group calling itself the Dadis Must Go Movement clashed with police following demonstrations last week.

A group favourable to the junta, the Dadis Must Stay Movement, was set up at the beginning of August and its representatives were received, amid much publicity, on state television, by the permanent secretary to the junta, Major Moussa Keita, reports Reuters.

"I might (run for election) or I might not stand," Dadis told Agènce France Presse. He added that those who don't want him to be a candidate "don't understand anything about democracy."

Yesterday, the authorities responded to the disquiet by banning political discussion on state media; private broadcasters are virtually non-existent in the country.

A senior source in the CNC [National Communications Council], which regulates all media in Guinea, told Reuters that the ban was a result of "pressure from the entourage around the head of the junta."

The measure follows a row last week over efforts by the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) junta to block a text message being sent to mobile phones that called on Guineans to resist plans by CNDD leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara to stand in elections.

Telecommunications companies felt threatened by the CNDD's order and suspended the use of the text messages for several days to stop the message from spreading, the Ghana-based Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) said.

The move was panned by human rights' organizations. "The coup leaders keep saying they are breaking with the past, but the use of threats and intimidation against opponents look disturbingly familiar," said Corinne Dufka, of Human Rights Watch.

[Guinean news] Flooding in Conakry

2009-08-13T09:51:00.000-04:00

The UN's IRIN news service reports that flooding has hit parts of the Guinean capital Conakry last week. IRIN notes that torrential rains caused extensive damage in the Damondy neighborhood, near the international airport. The rains flooded homes, washed away belongings and destroyed some crops locals grow nearby.

It added: Dabondy residents said the area lacks the infrastructure to evacuate water. Everyone IRIN spoke to pointed to a low bridge nearby, where rubbish packed underneath hinders the passage of water. Fuel residue mixed in with debris in the area has exacerbated the blockage and hurt crops, residents said.

Other areas of the capital were also affected but Dabondy was particularly hard hit.

The UN news service points out that Dabondy is affected by flooding every year but that the rains have been particularly hard this year.

One resident who gave her name as Madame Bah said the floodwaters submerged a community well and swept away the cover. The well was used for cooking and bathing water; for drinking water residents fill jerry cans at a communal tap about 5km away.

The mayor of Matoto, the district in which Dabondy is located, blamed the residents for not being able to afford to build their houses anywhere else.

Note: a reader contacted me asking me if I had any more information other than the IRIN article on the flooding. Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted this email and can not reply to her directly. But I do not really have any further details. I contacted an acquaintance of mine in Conakry but she didn't know much about it and hadn't been affected. If any readers have any further information, please feel free to comment.

[FOG news] Communications director returns

2009-08-12T09:50:00.001-04:00

With much regret, the FOG board has accepted the resignation of newly-elected Communications Director Rosemarie Rose, who has step down for personal reasons. Outgoing Communications Director Brian Farenell will remain in the position next year's elections.

[Guinean news] AU denounces CNDD 'diversion'; Dadis threatens arrests for 'disinformation'

2009-07-14T14:45:00.003-04:00

A followup to this story:

Guinéenews reports that the African Union has criticized the invasion claims of the Guinean junta and described the CNDD's actions as a 'diversion.' An AU spokesman charged the CNDD with seeking pretexts to postpone the elections scheduled for the end of the year. Radio France Internationale's Afrique Soir program reports that head of state Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara threatened to arrest anyone contradicting the CNDD's claims and spreading 'disinformation.' Guinéenews pointed out that the forest region of Guinea was the victim of an incursion from rebels based in Liberia in 2000 which caused hundreds of deaths and serious destruction.

[Guinean news] Junta warns of invasion

2009-07-13T14:55:00.002-04:00

The Guinean military regime has put the armed forces on high alert after claiming to have uncovered a plot to attack the country.

An announcement on state-run national radio said drugs cartels were believed to be behind the plans.

Cocaine cartels have essentially taken over the neighboring Republic of Guinea-Bissau, however the CNDD junta in Conakry said that armed men were also amassing along the borders in Senegal and Liberia.

"The ministry of defence was informed by the security services and other credible sources of the preparation of an armed attack on Guinea from its borders with Guinea-Bissau and the region of Casamance [in Senegal]," said a Guinean government statement. "These sources have also indicated that there are armed men regrouping on the border with Guinea Bissau to the north and the town of Foya to the south on the border with Liberia."

The governments of Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Liberia denied that there were any armed groups along their borders with Guinea.

[PCV news] PCV blogs collection

2009-07-07T15:07:00.001-04:00

A new website called Peace Corps Journals has been created which aggregates Peace Corps Volunteers' blogs from around the world. Click to access their...

-Main Guinea web page

-Facebook page on Guinean blogs

-Twitter updates.

[Guinean news] Ex-army chief charged with drugs trafficking

2009-06-14T11:16:00.005-04:00

The former head of the Guinean army, Gen. Diarra Camara, and 19 others were charged with drugs trafficking. The group of defendants includes Nigerian, Ghanaian and Israeli nationals as well as Gen. Camara's son and the former and current heads of the country's Marine Corps.

The son of the late head of state Gen. Lansana Conte confessed early this year to being involved in drugs trafficking.

[Guinean news] Army chief calls for poll delay but is rebuffed by Dadis

2009-06-12T13:31:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week, Guinea's army chief made waves by claiming that the country was not ready for elections in 2009 and that they should be delayed until next year.

However, the head of state, Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara, responded by insisting that elections would take place this year as scheduled.

When the German ambassador pressed Dadis if he would contest presidential elections if they were postponed until 2010, the junta leader angrily lashed out at the envoy. Camara promised not to stand in the 2009 elections, but some observers wonder if the promise precluded a candidacy if the polls were delayed until next year.

An Afrik.com correspondent shared his thoughts on a visit to the head of state's lounge.

[Guinean news] Judicial strike; security chaos; Guinean soccer team loses at home

2009-06-11T13:35:00.001-04:00

The Guinean military junta's cabinet member in charge of fighting crime and drugs trafficking provoked widespread international criticism when he urged civilians to 'burn alive' armed robbers caught in the act.

"I am asking you to burn alive armed bandits who are caught red-handed," said Capt. Moussa Tiegoro Camara. "Our jails and our correctional centres can no longer take in people and the situation cannot carry on like this."

The call was denounced by the Guinean Organization for Human Rights as well as international NGOs. It was seen as an admission of the junta's impotence in security matters.

Earlier this week, the Guinean judges and lawyers briefly went on strike to protest military interference in judicial matters. Yesterday, junta leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara fulfilled the strikers' main demand by eliminating the position of secretary of state responsible for conflicts.

The Guinean soccer team was defeated 2-1 on Sunday by Côte d'Ivoire in Conakry during a 2010 World and African Nations Cup qualifier. The loss marked the first competitive defeat at home for the national team since 1994 and their first loss of any kind at home since 1996. Following the match, national team coach Robert Nouarazet and the Guinean federation parted ways by mutual consent. The Frenchman was replaced by the revered former Guinean player Aboubacar "Titi" Camara.