Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Fides Service)- The Guinean parliament refused a request from President Lansana Conté to extend martial law imposed on 12 February after the Unions announced a general strike following the appointment of Eugène Camara as new Prime Minister (see Fides 12 February 2007).
Martial law expired on 23 February. The president had asked for it to be extended for 11 days with the motivation that the situation of public order was still at risk.
Immediately after Parliament’s decision the army chief general Kerfalla Camara said “the army will go back to work in all sectors all over the country on Monday 26 February”. The General said the strike is not motivated because the premier was appointed in keeping with the criteria of the agreement between government and unions on 27 January. The agreement stipulated the appointment of an impartial prime minister. Whereas the Unions said the former minister for residential affairs Camara, was too involved to be impartial.
The situation in Guinea is still uncertain. Parliament made a calming gesture, but a statement made by the army chief could mean that the military might intervene in the crisis with unforeseeable consequences. The Union said that since martial war was no longer in force the army had no role in politics and the strike would continue until a new premier was appointed.
Western African countries continue to mediate the Guinean crisis (see Fides 21 February 2007). Economic Community of West African Nations mediator former Nigerian president Ibrahim Babangida had a meeting with the Union leaders while Liberian president Ms Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf urged Guinean President Lansana Conté to reach an agreement with the Unions. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 24/2/2007 righe 31 parole 375)
