Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Agenzia Fides) - Once again tension is rising in Guinea where troops in the country's two main barracks have mutinied demanding higher pay. The soldiers fired gun shots in the air and sacked deposits of weapons and food supplies in the capital Conakry and in the mining town of Kindia. The revolt then spread to other parts of the country. Besides a better wage the troops are demanding 9 years back-pay for a total 300 million Guinea francs. The soldiers accuse high ranking commanders and certain political leaders of taking the funds assigned for army wages.
So far the revolt is confined to the army but there is fear that the military mutineers may be joined by their navy and airforce counterparts.
Guinea has just seen the end of a serious political crisis which fell at the beginning of the year when the people protested against the appointment of a new prime minister chosen by president Lansana Conté (see Fides 12 and 24 February 2007). After weeks of general strike and clashes between demonstrators and police in which 137 people were killed the crisis was settled on 26 February when the President appointed former diplomat Lansana Kouyate prime minister.
Kouyate who was given greater powers, promised to find a solution to the serious economic and social crisis which has affected the country for some time.
The Premier recently obtained 117 million Euro financial aid from the European Union and another 46 million Euro for urgent maintenance work of public buildings in a state of ruin and main roads in urban centres.
According to the local press the army revolt marks the end 'honeymoon' period of the new Prime Minister whose first attempts at reform questioned certain consolidated positions of power. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 4/5/2007 righe 27 parole 352)
