Guinea charts a trajectory towards civilian rule

 Recently, it endured a convulsion of grief due to violence, outrageous human rights abuses or violations: including rapes of scores of women and audacious massacre of nearly 150 patriots, mostly from the opposition side. These people had demonstrated, exercising their fundamental freedom of speech, dignity for humanity that a functional democracy offers. The power thirsty military leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara had suddenly announced that he would postpone elections, and declared himself a candidate for the projected elections. His revelation opened up a can of worms resulting in large scale unprecedented violence and brutality.

Since Guinea’s independence from France in 1958, its premiere leader, Ahmed Sekou Toure evolved a Stalin cloned revolutionary brutal dictator, ruling his people with an iron fist. He found reason to eliminate his critics using torture at a notorious prison, until his death. Lansana Conte, a military official, then seized and held onto power until his death. Despite he was chronically and critically ill. This precipitated a power vacuum which Camara quickly captured. Each case of succession was a game of jeopardy. Absence of a groomed successor ready to rule immediately is the elephant in the nation’s political landscape. Institutions of democratic governance were woefully not in place, resulting in a scramble for power to the highest office. Chaos and pandemonium are not novelties, in this politically backward and precarious nation that has not experienced freedom, dignity and prosperity for all, prevalent in a viable democracy.

 But Guinea had offered sanctuary to about 500,000 refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia, when they went through the infamous rebel wars of insurrection. Eventually, some refugees have made Guinea their adopted home. These 3 strategic neighbors are parties to the Manor River Union, an economic consortium that promotes trade and migration issues among its members. But the porous borders are vulnerable in the event of war or unrest in any member nation. The Liberian civil war eventually spilled over to Sierra Leone, while Sierra Leone’s civil war displaced thousands of refugees to Guinea and Liberia.

 Guinea still accommodates refugees from its neighbors. But Guinean soldiers can be as ruthless as they are corrupt. There are several untold stories of experiences of desperate refugees resident in Guinea. Whenever a member of Manor River Union, Economic Community of West African States, or the African Union, faces turmoil they step up to help resolve the dispute or aggression. Their concerted stance would offer solutions to delicate African issues. However, their influence and goodwill cannot be underrated. They understand the issues better than any other international organization or super power. Sometimes, inadequate funding caricatures them as toothless bulldogs.

 At the height of Guinea’s turmoil and extreme scrutiny from the international community including the United States, AU, and its neighbors, Camara was shut in the head at close range by one of his junta men. He argued that Camara refused to take responsibility for the tragic outcome of the savage military operations, which would help entrench him in power. He had to be rushed to Morocco for medical attention. His eventual return to Guinea was anyone’s guess. Stringent sanctions, pilling pressure from US and the international community were showing warning signs of justice awaiting Camara on his return.

 Sanctions invariably increase the suffering of poor people. But in this circumstance it proved effective. Since most of Guinea’s economic fuel comes from international trade. Camara was subsequently offered sanctuary in Burkina Faso. This defused the tension at home, and the possibility of his arrest to face justice at the International Criminal Court for war crimes against humanity, initiated by the United Nations. Liberia’s deposed Charles Taylor is currently facing trial at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague, for war crimes against humanity, and his support for Sierra Leonean rebels. Camara’s judgment day could be much closer than he could imagine.

 “I’m really genuinely cheered that people are concerned here, that they aren’t dropping their guard, assuming it’s done,” said the American ambassador in Conakry, Patricia N. Molly. “Because it’s not done.”

 Currently, events in Guinea are taking a rather unexpected dramatic turn to the amazement of the people. The second-in command of the junta Gen. Sékouba Konaté gingerly supported the election of a new prime minister, Jean-Marie Doré. This fearless opposition leader left the stadium bleeding, during the recent bloody massacre. The power thirsty military remains in the background, nursing the mindset of the red-bereted guards who executed the massacre at the stadium; while the historic, embryonic plant of civilian rule very slowly germinates.

 The military leader apparently loathes civilian leadership; and finally the scene of hope dawns when Doré took power, promising the nation its first truly free elections this year. He hopes to form a government — with 10 representatives from the former opposition, 10 from the junta and 10 from provincial governments — and oversee preparations for elections. A fierce contest for these positions is under way. Already Doré faces criticisms for being too slow, a week after taking office.

 “Things have happened so fast,” said Sydia Touré, a vocal opposition leader. “This is something we couldn’t have imagined two months ago,” he said. “It’s a new vision.”

 Could a budding democracy in Guinea illuminate West Africa and the continent from the darkness of endless wars or conflicts? Only time will tell. Guinea’s scenario could harvest the emergence of civilian rule, and the fruits of democracy. Weeding out potential dictators in Africa could usher a breath of fresh air. Probably, visionary governments would begin to tap the vital human and natural resources necessary for development. It’s about time our leaders focus on improving the quality of life of impoverished Africans, and resist waging senseless wars on our neighbors and despondent people.

Roland Bankole Marke © 2010

Roland Bankole Marke is the author of 3 books: Teardrops Keep Falling, Silver Rain and Blizzard and Harvest of Hate: Stories and Essays. His website is www.rolandmarke.com