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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

GUINEA: Suspect soldiers released as election draws near

CONAKRY, 17 December 2003 (IRIN) - Dozens of Guinean soldiers and gendarmes detained secretly by the government at the end of November were released on Tuesday night, sources close to the military said.

The government, which offered no comment at the time of the arrests, was equally silent about their release.

The sources were unable to give precise figures for the number of military personnel arrested in the run-up to a controversial presidential election on 21 December, which has been boycotted by all the mainstream opposition parties.

Nor were they able to say exactly how many detainees had been freed as President Lansana Conte, facing only one almost unheard of challenger, awaits the ballot which is expected to give him a further seven years in power.

One of those definitely released was Lieutenant Alpha Usman Diallo, a son of the former speaker of parliament, Bubacar Biro Diallo. His wife told IRIN that he had returned home and was in good health.

The Canada-based internet news service Guineenews reported that Commander Aly Camara, the second-in-command of the presidential guard, had also been released.

The wave of arrests of military personnel across the country began in the last week of November. It followed remarks by Conté hinting at a possible coup attempt.

Speaking at a ceremony marking army day last month, Conté said that leaflets were already in circulation calling for a military president.

A widespread debate has started in Conakry over the rationale behind the releases which are expected to ease tension in this poor West African country during the run-up to polling day.

The election has generated little interest amongst ordinary Guineans, who regard the outcome as a foregone conclusion. Conte has ruled Guinea with an iron hand since he came to power in a 1984 coup and the opposition has accused him of rigging all previous elections. It boycotted the latest poll after Conte refused to appoint an independent electoral commission or give opposition candidates free access to state controlled radio and television.

Campaign rallies for the ruling Party for Unity and Progress (PUP) have been attracting smaller and smaller crowds.

Conte's opponent, Mamadou Bhoye Barry, the sole parliamentary deputy of a small pro-government party has yet to be seen in public in the capital. However, there are reports that he has been campaigning in the interior.

Theme(s): (IRIN) Conflict

[ENDS]

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