Applause for Guinea, But Troubles Not Over Yet

by Daniel J Gerstle · 2010-02-03 12:57:00 UTC
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On September 28th, 2009, Jean-Marie Dore protested the power moves of the new military junta of Captain Camara in Guinea, West Africa. Security forces beat him, killed at least 150, and abused scores more.

Today, Dore is the new Prime Minister in a unity government created carefully by West African leadership and the United Nations. It's an incredible example of how these organizations have succeeded to collect a wildly chaotic situation and miraculously glue together peace.

Of course, global citizens should not assume that Guinea is cured. The country still requires careful follow through and huge investments in peacebuilding. But applause is definitely appropriate. Go team!

A New York Times story by Adam Nossiter, "After Massacre, Guinea Sees Hope of Lifted Chains" provides more details. There are tremendous lessons here. The crisis included a seizure of power, an assassination attempt, dozens of revenge attacks, and a fear that leaders would lose control.

These threats still exist, but perhaps there are examples where the players chose wisely. Also, many watchers have been skeptical when West African leaders like Burkina Faso President Blaise Campaore get involved in a neighboring country's dispute, but here evidence is on the positive. Much more detail on Guinea's still volatile situation is available on the UN's ReliefWeb page on Guinea.

And to fulfill my promise of topping stories of far away places when possible with recommendations of music from the region, here is the legendary Mamady Kouyate and the Mandingo Ambassadors. They were recommended to me by my American acquaintance DJ Frank at West African Voodoo Funk. If you're in New York, you can catch them at Barbes in Park Slope every Wednesday eve. Peace.

Photo credit: Sigma Delta (A bus in Conakry, Guinea)

Daniel J Gerstle is a journalist, human rights researcher, and humanitarian aid consultant. He is Editor and Chief Correspondent for HELO: The Crisis Story Magazine.
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