Democracy News

Guinean President Attacked; High-Ranking Officers Detained
July 29, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On July 19, an attack on the residence of Guinean President Alpha Conde left at least three people dead, however, the president escaped without injury. "The president was there, but he is safe and sound," said a presidential source, adding there had been substantial damage to the residence from gunfire and rocket launchers. Reuters reported that eyewitnesses said heavily armed assailants attacked Conde's residence at around 1:30 AM local time.

Hours later during a televised address to the nation, Conde said, "My house was attacked last night, but I congratulate the presidential guard who fought heroically from 3.10am until 5am (local and GMT) before backup arrived." In addition, Conde tried to reassure the country that he was still in control and that attempts to undermine his plans for reform would fail: "Our enemies can try everything, but they cannot prevent the Guinean people's march towards democracy," the Christian Science monitor reported.

In a written statement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said the attack could destabilize Guinea and destroy efforts to build a democracy in one of the poorest countries in the continent. "ECOWAS calls for the perpetrators of this attack to be brought before the competent courts to answer for their actions," the statement said.
According to Reuters, the heaviest fighting appeared to be coming from near the walled compound where Conde lives, the same three-story home that served as his base when he was the head of the country's opposition. The attack left the building riddled with bullet holes and the main gate was blown out with a rocket launcher.

BBC News reported that 37 Guinean Army soldiers have been arrested for their involvement in the attack. The detained soldiers include high-ranking officers who were close to Guinea's former military junta. The junta handed over power to Conde in December 2010 following the first free electoral process in the West African country since gaining independence from France half a century before.

Nouhou Thiam, an army general who was sacked by Conde in one of his first moves to reform the army was among those arrested. The Guinean Army, renowned for its brutality has seen an improvement in discipline since Conde appointed himself defense minister.

Said Djinnit, Special Representative of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in West Africa, told Reuters, “This can only reinforce the determination of the government, with the cooperation of the international community, to commit rigorously to reform of the security sector."

Despite being the world's largest exporter of the aluminum ore bauxite, Guinea is one the poorest in the world. Guinea also has a long history of coups and attempted coups, the last attempt was in December 2008 when army officer, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, seized power after the death of Lansana Conte, who had been in power 24 years.

A transitional government, led by General Sekouba Konate, followed through with its pledge of returning the country to civilian control by organizing last year’s presidential election. The election had a voter turnout of approximately 70 percent. The process was deemed transparent and fair by a majority of national and international observers.

For previous news on Guinea, please see:
Guinea Votes To Elect First Democratic Leader; Delayed Results Stoke Tensions

Sources:
Christian Science Monitor – Guinea's president survives rocket attack, appeals for calm

BBC News – Guinea soldiers arrested for attack on president's home

Reuters – Ex-army chief held after Guinea's Conde escapes attack