Gabonews (Libreville)
23 December 2008
There is confusion in Conakry Tuesday, where the death of President Lansana Conté has led to an attempted military coup.
An army officer, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, announced on Radio Conakry "the dissolution" of the government and its institutions, and the suspension of Guinea's constitution, just hours after Conté died. He has been in power since 1984.
The officer declared that "the institutions of the Republic have illustrated their incapacity to resolve the crisis" across the country. Citing reasons for the action, he pointed to the "profound disappointment of the population," the necessity for "economic redress" and the "fight against corruption."
"The [performance of the] government and the institutions of the Republic are disappointing," he added, while announcing that a "consultative council" would soon be created "comprising civilians and military officials."
On Monday night, the president of the National Assembly, Aboubacar Somparé, accompanied by the Prime Minister and the Chief of the Army, announced on state television the death of Lansana Conté, aged 74, "after a long illness." The current whereabouts of the above three leaders is unknown.
The constitution provides that Somparé should act as president for 60 days pending a new presidential election. Parliamentary elections have already been announced for May 2009.
Among reactions to today's news, the African Union expressed its deep concern at the situation. In the region, Guinea's neighbours are following events closely.
(Report translated from the original French by Michael Tantoh.)
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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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Active Discussions: Coup Bid After Death of Lansana Conté