[Guinean news] Govt, opposition open dialogue

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] New leadership, new risks, old problems

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

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

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

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

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

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