Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Agenzia Fides) – The situation in the Republic of Guinea continues to be tense and rebellious soldiers are demanding the retreat of all officials that do not support their petitions.
“The soldiers have begun their revolt to reclaim salaries that they have not received for some time now,” Fides was told by a local source from the Church in the capital, Conakry. (Their name has been omitted for security reasons.) “During the last few days, soldiers have left their barracks and have begun to sack businesses, gas stations, and even private homes. Some victims have already been claimed both in the capital, as well as in other parts of the country. Yesterday, in a neighborhood in Conakry, two soldiers died in an attempt to use explosives on a house. It seems that they killed each other over dividing the booty,” our source said.
“The people are suffering grave consequences from the situation, as the sacking has caused a lack of food and gasoline. The few gas stations still operating have raised their prices: a liter of gasoline used to cost 7,000 Francs, and now it costs 30,000,” Fides’ source continued. “A rift has been caused between the civilians and soldiers. The representatives of the political parties and civil society affirm that the soldiers, who should be the ones looking after public safety, have become a threat. In fact, the soldiers give the impression that they are only interested in themselves. Their claims center mainly on the payment of their salaries and the freeing of their companions who are under arrest. President Lansana Conte has promised to give each soldier a substantial amount if they end the uprising. That means that the income of the past year will have to go towards the payment of the military, something that does not make the citizens very happy.”
The military uprising began just days after the naming of the new Prime Minister. On March 20, former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate was dismissed by President Coute and substituted by Ahmed Tidiane Souaré, a technocrat considered a close friend of the President. Kouyate was named Premier in February 2007, in order to end the wave of protest that had been paralyzing Guinea for 2 months (see Fides 27/2/2007). “The central problem continues to be President Conte. The substitution of the Premier is an attempt to retake control of the country, which was placed in question by the popular revolts last year. The military revolt also enters into this playing field. There is a risk that in taking advantage of the unrest, a change of authority will be imposed. Guineans have been receiving SMS messages in their mobile phones, inviting all to participate in a demonstration against the President, on June 10, in a protest that will only be called off if he steps down. However, the people suspect that it is a trap that will be used to begin a fierce repression,” Fides’ source concluded. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 29/5/2008)
