Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Agenzia Fides) - Popular protest grows in Guinea calling for the resignation of President Lansana Conté. The week long national strike which has paralysed the country has spread to the vital mining sector. Bauxite mining workers have joined the strike stopping the export of the mineral used to produce aluminium essential for the world’s aerospace industry.
Unions called the strike over the high cost of living and to protest after President Lansana Conte allegedly freed two prominent corruption suspects. The people want the elderly president who suffers from diabetes to resign and appoint a national unity government. On Monday 15 January the protest leaders sent a letter to President Conté explaining that they are calling for his resignation so he can withdraw to private life and “take better care”.
During clashes with the police at least a hundred people were arrested for assaulting shops and setting fire to tires and garbage in the streets of the capital. This is the third general strike in a year.
Now the protest has spread to the bauxite mining workers, tension could rise affecting the interests of foreign industrial groups which control aluminium production and trade.
President Lansana Conte took power with a coup in 1984 following the death of independent Guinea’s first president, Sekou Touré. In 1993, Conte reintroduced at least officially, democracy and a multiparty system. In that year there were presidential elections and Conte was elected president and confirmed in two successive elections. Critics and opposition say his policy is “confused and eccentric”, with frequent ministerial shuffles. The President suffers from diabetes and makes frequent trips abroad for treatment. Most observers are concerned that because he has not prepared for his succession, the sudden departure of the head of state could throw Guinea into chaos and start a bitter battle in the presidential entourage.
Guinea is among the world’s poorest countries: at least 40 per cent of the people live below the poverty line, the annual income per head is 430 dollars and even in the capital Conakry access to water and electricity is not guaranteed. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/1/2007 righe 37 parole 442
