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.
Showing posts with label strike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strike. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Saturday, September 20, 2008
[Guinean news] Health care strike ends, for now
The IRIN news service reports that Guinean health care workers have called off their strike... at least for the moment.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
[Guinean news] Inquiry into general strike deaths 'obstructed'
The Inter Press Service has a profile of some of the families who lost loved ones during the repression of the early 2007 general strike.
IPS notes: More than 186 people died in the wave of repression that followed anti-government demonstrations and strikes in January and February 2007. However the government only acknowledges 137 victims.
"For now we just want to know what happened. We can forgive, but we have to know the truth," said one resident of a Conakry suburb who lost his son.
Another man who lost his son was less clement. "I can't forgive. They killed my son under false pretenses. He was completely unarmed -- not a gun, or a rock, or a even a stick. But they shot him," he explained.
Observers state that inquiries into the 2007 events and a series of shootings in 2006 have been obstructed.
Human Rights Watch researcher and Guinea RPCV Dustin Sharp says that a truly effective national inquiry is necessary to bring the military under control. "A very dangerous message is being sent to armed forces: that violence and lack of discipline are acceptable behavior," he explained.
IPS notes: More than 186 people died in the wave of repression that followed anti-government demonstrations and strikes in January and February 2007. However the government only acknowledges 137 victims.
"For now we just want to know what happened. We can forgive, but we have to know the truth," said one resident of a Conakry suburb who lost his son.
Another man who lost his son was less clement. "I can't forgive. They killed my son under false pretenses. He was completely unarmed -- not a gun, or a rock, or a even a stick. But they shot him," he explained.
Observers state that inquiries into the 2007 events and a series of shootings in 2006 have been obstructed.
Human Rights Watch researcher and Guinea RPCV Dustin Sharp says that a truly effective national inquiry is necessary to bring the military under control. "A very dangerous message is being sent to armed forces: that violence and lack of discipline are acceptable behavior," he explained.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
[Guinean news] Striking policemen clash with soldiers
Last week saw two days of clashes between police and soldiers in Conakry. The police went on strike to protest salary arrears. Soldiers, who themselves rioted over back pay only a few weeks prior, were called in to suppress the police revolt. Customs officials also reportedly joined the police strike.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
[Guinean news] Threats of another general strike
The IRIN news service has an article warning of further labor unrest in Guinea. The country's trade unions are reportedly considering whether to go ahead with a general strike at the end of March.
During the 2007 general strike, unions demanded an independent prime minister, a post filled with their accord by former diplomat Lansana Kouyaté.
However, union officials criticize the government as 'dysfunctional'. Some argue that Kouyaté has never been truly given the authority he needs to implement needed reforms.
During the 2007 general strike, unions demanded an independent prime minister, a post filled with their accord by former diplomat Lansana Kouyaté.
However, union officials criticize the government as 'dysfunctional'. Some argue that Kouyaté has never been truly given the authority he needs to implement needed reforms.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
[Guinean news] General strike threat suspended until March 31
Agence France Presse reports that Guinean unions have suspended the anticipated general strike until March 31.
With public support for another strike waning, unions and the government agreed to a proposal whereby a committee would be set up a committee to monitor the implementation of last year's power-sharing agreement, noted Reuters.
With public support for another strike waning, unions and the government agreed to a proposal whereby a committee would be set up a committee to monitor the implementation of last year's power-sharing agreement, noted Reuters.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
[Guinean news] Calm returns to Guinea in advance of anticipated general strike
Voice of America reports that calm has returned to Guinea after anti-government protests following the controversial sacking by the head of state of the communications minister.
Youths in suburbs of Conakry burned tires, built barricades and threw stones.
One man was killed as he stepped out of a taxi and was hit by a thrown rock.
Unions have called for a nationwide general strike, suspended last February, to resume on January 10. Embattled Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté, named to the post with union agreement following last year's strike, has engaged in talks with the syndicates to avert another work stoppage.
"Efforts are being made to defuse the crisis, besides all the efforts made by state institutions, religious leaders and union leaders," Kouyate told a private radio station in Conakry, notes Reuters.
Kouyaté also had what he termed a "very conciliatory exchange" with head of state Gen. Lansana Conté but offered no concrete details.
Youths in suburbs of Conakry burned tires, built barricades and threw stones.
One man was killed as he stepped out of a taxi and was hit by a thrown rock.
Unions have called for a nationwide general strike, suspended last February, to resume on January 10. Embattled Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté, named to the post with union agreement following last year's strike, has engaged in talks with the syndicates to avert another work stoppage.
"Efforts are being made to defuse the crisis, besides all the efforts made by state institutions, religious leaders and union leaders," Kouyate told a private radio station in Conakry, notes Reuters.
Kouyaté also had what he termed a "very conciliatory exchange" with head of state Gen. Lansana Conté but offered no concrete details.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
[Guinean news] Trade unions hold conference; parliamentary inquiry into general strike deaths
Guinean trade unions are hosting a major international trade conference in Conakry yesterday and today.
The conference will address three main issues: economic and social development, governance and institutions, and human rights [and] will conclude its work by adopting a road map highlighting the demands of the trade union movement and Guinea's civil society for the long process of consolidating peace, democracy and development in Guinea, according to a press release from the International Trade Union Confederation.
**
The Guinean National Assembly has approved the creation of a commission of inquiry into the killing of civilians by security forces in June 2006 and during the general strike of January and February of this year. Channel Africa's Africa Rise and Shine radio program reported that the commission will comprise 19 members from diverse professions. Human rights groups welcomed the commission's creation but warned that the creation of previous parliamentary inquiries hadn't resulted in any significant follow up.
The conference will address three main issues: economic and social development, governance and institutions, and human rights [and] will conclude its work by adopting a road map highlighting the demands of the trade union movement and Guinea's civil society for the long process of consolidating peace, democracy and development in Guinea, according to a press release from the International Trade Union Confederation.
**
The Guinean National Assembly has approved the creation of a commission of inquiry into the killing of civilians by security forces in June 2006 and during the general strike of January and February of this year. Channel Africa's Africa Rise and Shine radio program reported that the commission will comprise 19 members from diverse professions. Human rights groups welcomed the commission's creation but warned that the creation of previous parliamentary inquiries hadn't resulted in any significant follow up.
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