Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Agenzia Fides)-“The appointment of a new Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate was received with jubilation with people dancing in the streets until 6 in the morning” said Fr. Come Traoré, Communications officer for the archdiocese of Conakry, capital of Guinea, where yesterday 26 February President Lansana Conté announced that the new prime minister is former diplomat, Lansana Kouyate. The appointment of a Premier pleasing to the Opposition and Unions was a condition for suspending the general strike started in mid February (see Fides 12 and 24 February 2007).
“In the protesters’ stronghold which we call “Baghdad” for the vivacity of the people, cars were stopped and people were asked to join slogan singing demonstrators with cries of “Long live the Unions, long live the President, down with the army” said Father Traoré. “However despite the night’s euphoria this morning activity was back to normal” he said.
With regard to the choice of the new premier Fr. Traoré said:“ I think Kouyate is the man Guinea has been waiting for. He will have to work hard to put the country back on its feet. In the protests infrastructures were damaged and there are reports that funds in several public offices disappeared. These events angered the people who want administrators who are honest and capable of assuring a better future for the new generations”.
Guinea’s crisis was solved with the mediation of the CEDEAO/ECOWS which sent as its envoy former Nigerian president Ibrahim Babangida to Guinea. “The Unions thanked the local Catholic community for assisting the people during the strike” said Fr Traoré. Catholic volunteers worked in 5 hospitals in the capital to replace health personnel on strike (see Fides 26 February2007).
The new prime minister will have more powers, some of them previously belonged to the head of state and he will have to plan his policy on transparency and social justice. Lansana Kouyate aged 56 was under general secretary to the United Nations from 1994 to 1997 and then CEDEAO executive secretary from 1997 al 2001 and since 2003 he has represented the International French Speaking Organisation in Cote d’Ivoire. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 27/2/2007 righe 34 parole 413)
