Junta head denounces resumption of political activities in Guinea

The head of the ruling junta in Guinea, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, on Friday condemned a statement that announced the resumption of political and trade unions activities in the country.

Camara described as "null and void" the text read on Thursday evening on the Guinean Radio and Television Broadcaster (RTG) by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Dr. Frederi Kolié, which lifted the seal on political party activities.

According to a statement by the press office of the Guinean Presidency, read during a news programme broadcast at mid-day Thursday, the announcement of the resumption of political activities was issued on the orders of the country's Premier, Kabiné Komara.

"This statement, which was not endorsed by the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD), is likely to undermine social peace and the democratic process in Guinea," said the head of the ruling junta, who ordered members of CNDD and the government to stop issuing statements without his consent.

Thursday's statement said political parties and trade unions should resume their activities throughout the country, but prohibited electioneering campaigns.

Camara had decided, shortly after the 23 December coup, to suspend political and trade union activities to "avoid chaos and disorder."

The leader of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), Cellou Dalein Diallo, and his motorcade were prevented on 18 June from holding a meeting in Kérouané, about 900 km from Conakry, before they were banned from entering the eastern town of Kankan where they wanted to spend the night.

Pana