Peacemaking in Guinea Now Could Prevent Downward Spiral

by Daniel J Gerstle · 2009-12-10 06:05:00 UTC
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Let us applaud the pro-active efforts of the African Union leadership, as well as the work of US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State William Fitzgerald, for stepping in to mitigate conflict in the West African nation of Guinea-Conakry.

And let us press on for a greater effort not only to designate stable leadership, but also to empower the peaceful indigenous leaders, democrats, and minority groups to be part of the process of re-creating the government.

This past week someone inside the Guinea junta authority apparently tried to kill its leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, who came to power only last December. Early last year, the country appeared stable, but in September when Camara reneged on promises of electoral process, crowds protested his rule. Soldiers called in to squash the protests killed and abused dozens. This led to retaliatory attacks and crackdowns. The country is on edge.

Here's a good Reuters story, looking forward, which reminds humanitarians that if the international community and domestic peacebuilders act now, they may be able to saves thousands of lives later.

[Photo: Guinea-Conakry, Martapiqs]

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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