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.
Showing posts with label CNDD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CNDD. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 08, 2010
[Guinean news] Presidential election set for June 27
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
[Guinean news] Civilian opposition leader named prime minister
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
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
Friday, January 15, 2010
[Guinean news] Power sharing accord reportedly to be signed but Guinea remains tense and military split
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.
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.
Monday, November 30, 2009
[Guinean news] Prominent human rights activist arrested; ICG head calls Dadis unstable
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.
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.
Monday, November 02, 2009
[Guinean news] Sept. 28 massacre was 'premeditated': HRW
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
[Guinean news] General strike paralyzes Conakry; PCVs evacuated; EU calls for Dadis to be tried
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
[Guinean news] Guinean women increasingly 'prey' of soldiers; Sec. Clinton calls for junta to leave power
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.
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.
Monday, October 05, 2009
[Guinean news] Update on the situation in Guinea
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)
-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)
Monday, September 28, 2009
[Guinean news] As many as 87 (120+?) dead after security forces attack anti-Dadis march
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.
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.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
[Guinean news] Junta bans politics on state media, shuts down text messaging amid rising political tension
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
[Guinean news] AU denounces CNDD 'diversion'; Dadis threatens arrests for 'disinformation'
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.
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.
Monday, July 13, 2009
[Guinean news] Junta warns of invasion
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.
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.
Friday, June 12, 2009
[Guinean news] Army chief calls for poll delay but is rebuffed by Dadis
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.
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.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
[Guinean news] Judicial strike; security chaos; Guinean soccer team loses at home
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.
"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.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
[Guinean news] Gold mine collapses; junta won't stand in elections, wants to reform army; rioters fired upon
At least 13 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed last week, according to the Guinean government. The gold mine was in Touletoni, in the Siguiri prefecture.
The country's military leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara told journalists that no members of the ruling junta are going to run in legislative and presidential elections scheduled for late this year.
Dadis also said he wants to reform the armed forces before the end of his tenure. The army is widely seen a major source of instability in the country. Human rights groups have repeatedly shed light on soldier impunity.
At least two people were wounded on Saturday when Guinean security forces fired on rioters. A police station and several police vehicles were attacked in the riot which was sparked by an armed robbery on a local shop by thieves dressed in military uniform, reported TVNZ.
The country's military leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara told journalists that no members of the ruling junta are going to run in legislative and presidential elections scheduled for late this year.
Dadis also said he wants to reform the armed forces before the end of his tenure. The army is widely seen a major source of instability in the country. Human rights groups have repeatedly shed light on soldier impunity.
At least two people were wounded on Saturday when Guinean security forces fired on rioters. A police station and several police vehicles were attacked in the riot which was sparked by an armed robbery on a local shop by thieves dressed in military uniform, reported TVNZ.
Friday, May 01, 2009
[Guinean news] ICG, HRW reports on Guinea
Though this is a few months old, the International Crisis Group has a still relevant report on the transition in Guinea.
This week, Human Rights Watch issued a report of its own detailing the impunity of ordinary soldiers, which was already bad but seems to have worsened under the new junta.
This week, Human Rights Watch issued a report of its own detailing the impunity of ordinary soldiers, which was already bad but seems to have worsened under the new junta.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
[Guinean news] Junta cracks down on prostitutes, drug addicts
The Guinean military junta has apparently ordered a crackdown on prostitutes and young drug addicts in Conakry, according to APANEWS.
The African Press Agency reports an increase in the number of nighttime police patrols in the capital over the last several days.
The African Press Agency reports an increase in the number of nighttime police patrols in the capital over the last several days.
Friday, April 24, 2009
[Guinean news] 'Coup plotters' arrested; Dadis won't stand in elections
Two junior army officers were arrested this week on suspicion of plotting a coup d'Etat against the country's military head of state Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara. Dadis was already at the airport when his trip to Libya was cancelled, reports the BBC. The broadcaster noted an increase in troop movements in Conakry in recent days.
Agence France Presse noted that: The International Crisis Group has warned that disagreements within the Guinean junta itself could endanger the transition to elections planned for later this year.
Human Rights Watch has similar concerns.
Earlier this week, Capt. Camara said he would not stand in presidential elections due this December.
Agence France Presse noted that: The International Crisis Group has warned that disagreements within the Guinean junta itself could endanger the transition to elections planned for later this year.
Human Rights Watch has similar concerns.
Earlier this week, Capt. Camara said he would not stand in presidential elections due this December.
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