Guinea: Hope for Political Reform?

Within hours of President Lansana Conte’s death in December 2008, a military junta headed by Dadis Camara took over, promising political reforms. Initially welcomed by many Guineans, the junta has been increasingly criticized, as it has continued to renege on these promises. The September 28, 2009 clash between the Guinean military and demonstrators protesting Camara’s candidacy at next January’s presidential election resulted in nearly 160 dead and scores of public rapes. The politicization of security forces, the stalling of political reform, the rising tension surrounding next year’s elections, and the growing politicization of ethnicity heighten concerns about Guinea’s political future and the region’s stability.

What does the latest crackdown portend for Guinea, and what actions should be taken to address the violence? What role can the region and the larger international community play in preventing an escalation of violence and promoting the promised political reforms in Guinea? How can Guinean civil society participate in reforming Guinea’s key institutions?