Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Agenzia Fides)- Tension is high in Guinea on the 10th day of a paralysing national strike (see Fides 17 January 2007). Yesterday 19 January two more people, a school boy and a youth were killed by police gun fire. At the political level President Lansana Conte dismissed the minister for presidential affairs Fode Bangoura, acting prime minister since the dismissal of Mr Dalein Diallo. His place has been taken by Planning Minister Eugene Camara. No explanation was given but these changes are certainly connected with the serious incidents during popular protests initially against corruption.
However for the unions and the Opposition leading the protest the dismissal of the Premier ad interim is not enough, they are calling for the resignation of the President himself.
The general strike continues and it is the most serious challenge faced by President Conté since he took power in a coup in 1984. In the deserted streets of the capital Conakry groups of youths continue to clash with police forces using tear gas and sometimes gun fire. Similar violence is reported in others towns. In clashes in Kissidougou 500 km south east of the capital at least one person was killed. The national protest threatens to turn into a popular revolt.
International observers fear the situation of public order and popular protest may intensify conflict between the different factions in the presidential field. The head of state suffers from diabetes and amnesia and often has to go abroad for medical treatment. His control over the state apparatus has weakened and his collaborators aspire to take his place, however without taking into account the people’s desire for change.
Lastly we must consider the position of the army. Although the officers are loyal to Conté, the lower ranks want a change.
Neighbouring countries are concerned the crisis may affect the region, if nothing else with a flow of refugees and displaced persons, in the case of a real revolt. The 11 heads of state of the Economic Community of West African countries CEDEAO at a summit in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) voiced concern for the crisis in Guinea asked Burkina Faso president Blaise Compaoré to head a CEDEAO delegation to Conakry to meet the parties involved. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/1/2007 righe 38 parole 458
