Chaos Returns to West Africa: Martial Law in Guinea as Conte Breaks Word

Bush continues to ignore Africa, allowing instability to increase, a situation that encourages bloodshed and terrorism. Some time ago I wrote about an evolving situation in Guinea, a nation that had been viewed as an island of stability in an area plagued by unrest in nations like Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast. It had seemed like stability had returned as the corrupt, strongman President of the country, Lansana Conte, came to an agreement with unions who were leading an uprising.

Now it seems that Conte has betrayed his word and his actions have sparked renewed unrest. From Salon.com:

Citizens were banned from leaving their homes Tuesday morning as a strict curfew took effect in this West African country after the president instituted martial law following days of deadly protests.

The central streets of the capital appeared to be empty early Tuesday, but residents speaking by phone from the suburbs of Conakry said sporadic gunfire continued to sound in some neighborhoods.

"They are still firing heavy arms. I didn't sleep all night because of the shooting," said Aissatou Diallo. "I see from my balcony people walking in the streets who are going to buy and sell things in the market. I even see some taxis."

...Three days of rioting and clashes with security forces left at least 27 dead as opposition leaders and major trade unions called for President Lansana Conte to step down after his apparent violation of a power-sharing agreement...

The violence started Saturday following Conte's appointment of a close ally from his Cabinet as prime minister. Many said he sidestepped a power-sharing agreement by naming a confidant, and angry youths took to the streets, throwing stones and ransacking buildings. Security forces fired into the crowds.

The African Union issued a statement condemning the military's actions and calling for an independent inquiry.

AU Commission Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare "strongly condemns the disproportionate use of force and the repression of the civilian population, which resulted in losses of lives," the statement said.

Union leaders have called for Conte's resignation and restarted a general strike Monday that they said would continue until he stepped down.

Anyone wondering why this is of concern, please read about the 10-year civil war in Liberia, the eight year civil war in Sierra Leone, and the 4 years of civil war in the Ivory Coast. We may be seeing Guinea going the way of its neighbors.

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