Herschelle S. Challenor
18 February 2007
(Page 2 of 2)
• The United States should request an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the crisis in Guinea;
• The Security Council should declare the situation in Guinea to be a threat to international peace and security as the dangers of escalation are real and do indeed represent a threat to the peace and security in West Africa, particularly to Sierra Leone and Liberia who remain fragile as they try to rebuild after their civil wars and prepare for elections this spring and to Côte d'Ivoire still in the throes of violence;
• The United States should take the position that President Conté's gross and systematic violation of the human rights of his citizens in Guinea is just cause for a "humanitarian intervention," the justification used to protect Somalis under the former President Bush. President Conté's failing health and increasing dementia have prevented him from ruling rationally for over a year; he has systematically violated the country's constitution, has now created crimes against humanity; and therefore is no longer a credible leader;
• Since President Conte has demonstrated time and time again that he does not honor his commitments, there no longer is any reason to enter into any dialogue with him. One option is to remove him to another country, as the U.S. did with former President Aristide of Haiti, perhaps this time to Morocco or Saudi Arabia, where he can do no harm.
The democracy movement in Guinea has acted peacefully in a manner consistent with the Guinean constitution to try to bring about change in Guinea, following persistent pressure on them by the U.S. Embassy in Guinea to do so. They continue to pursue their goals non-violently at great cost to their lives and the Guinean economy. The ball is now in the court of the United States, whose mantra has become democratic governance and "transformational diplomacy," and the international community, who need to help protect the Guinean people from the killings and pillaging of its brutal government.
The author is a former Team Leader for Democracy and Governance Programs in Guinea.
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How to fill the power vacuum in Guinea Conte had been inactive for sometimes now, the prime minister, the secretary general and the leader of the general assembly that wish to stay remain in power now that they deemed it constitutional, are the same people that have carry on this mess for a long time. For the few past years, these are people that have been running the country without any regards to the needs of the people. They all favor the way Guinea has been ruled since they didnt have to be accountable to anyone, Checks and balances do not apply to these politicians so letting them continue in name of peaceful transfer of power will not do Guinea any good. They may arrange some kind of election in the distance future but will make sure they win at any cost. The military on the other hand cant be trusted to take power in a way they wish now since the Guinean army is one of the most unprofessional, corrupt army that have killed many civilians during peaceful riots in Guinea and are highly divided along ethnic lines.
The west (The US, France and others) has failed guinea as they have let Conte carried on this madness for years without really doing anything about it. Guinea is blessed with huge deposit of rich minerals but it remains one of the poorest countries in world, while the masses continue to suffer, (three basic meals a day is luxury for the privileged few) Western companies are doing very well in Guinea. Government contracts are not negotiated in a way to benefit the country and the little funds that were generated, went to Conte, his friends and other high-ranking members of his government that wish to stay the course. As western interests were highly protected under the Conte regime, it doesnt seem they would care much if Contes people continue.
ECOWAS, AU, and UN need to step in now, hold a summit with all stake Guinean holders in, negotiate an inclusive transition that includes everyone or most Guinean tribes, set dates of free and fair elections and make sure elections are really carried on free and fairly. While its important to have peaceful transfer of power in , politicians and the military vetting for power now dont represent the interests of the Guinean people so the international community needs to step in now and if the UN or West doesnt want to move in quickly, AU and ECOWAS need not wait. They helped negotiate the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone so if they are willing, they can resolve the power vacuum in Guinea peacefully in the interest of the masses.
How to fill the power vacuum in Guinea Conte had been inactive for sometimes now, the prime minister, the secretary general and the leader of the general assembly that wish to stay remain in power now that they deemed it constitutional, are the same people that have carry on this mess for a long time. For the few past years, these are people that have been running the country without any regards to the needs of the people. They all favor the way Guinea has been ruled since they didnt have to be accountable to anyone, Checks and balances do not apply to these politicians so letting them continue in name of peaceful transfer of power will not do Guinea any good. They may arrange some kind of election in the distance future but will make sure they win at any cost. The military on the other hand cant be trusted to take power in a way they wish now since the Guinean army is one of the most unprofessional, corrupt army that have killed many civilians during peaceful riots in Guinea and are highly divided along ethnic lines.
The west (The US, France and others) has failed guinea as they have let Conte carried on this madness for years without really doing anything about it. Guinea is blessed with huge deposit of rich minerals but it remains one of the poorest countries in world, while the masses continue to suffer, (three basic meals a day is luxury for the privileged few) Western companies are doing very well in Guinea. Government contracts are not negotiated in a way to benefit the country and the little funds that were generated, went to Conte, his friends and other high-ranking members of his government that wish to stay the course. As western interests were highly protected under the Conte regime, it doesnt seem they would care much if Contes people continue.
ECOWAS, AU, and UN need to step in now, hold a summit with all stake Guinean holders in, negotiate an inclusive transition that includes everyone or most Guinean tribes, set dates of free and fair elections and make sure elections are really carried on free and fairly. While its important to have peaceful transfer of power in , politicians and the military vetting for power now dont represent the interests of the Guinean people so the international community needs to step in now and if the UN or West doesnt want to move in quickly, AU and ECOWAS need not wait. They helped negotiate the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone so if they are willing, they can resolve the power vacuum in Guinea peacefully in the interest of the masses.
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