Standing in the Gap – before it’s too late

September was devastating for Guineans. Men in military uniforms, perhaps even from the Presidential Guard, fired on thousands of civilians at a political rally. Local human rights organizations have estimated the death toll to be as high as 160 with hundreds more injured, but the Guinean military government reports 57 deaths, mostly due to stampeding crowds. Everyday witness reports surface and today disturbing cellphone photos published in the New York Times chillingly tell a story of death, rape and beatings. Political opposition leaders are said to be in jail or free but wounded. President Moussa Dadis Camara said the violence was an attempt to oust him from power and denied ordering soldiers to shoot on the unarmed crowd.

In December 2008, then Captain Camara suspended constitutional law to became president within 12 hours of President Lansana Conte’s death. Captain Camara promised to rid the country of corruption and drug trafficking, hold presidential elections within a year and not run for president himself. Guineans were hopeful. Fifty-one local leaders even met this past summer to develop a plan to consolidate peace in Guinea. Yet the corruption and lack of free election support mixed with the right to assemble and freedom of press has Guineans questioning their future in the hands of a military government

Official statements of condemnation and concerns come from the international community over the last ten months. However, as a result of the deadly events of September, the international community -including European countries and well-known international organizations-is beginning to take away support.

For years people have been warning Guinea’s instability could lead to a crisis. The time to stand in the gap for Guinea is now. Guinea is one of the most mineral rich countries in the world. The stakes for power are high. BEFORE will continue work with local partners in Guinea and asks you to join us by making a donation for peace and stability in Guinea today. Guineans need support now – before it’s too late to do more than put a bandage on a wounded country.

Learn more about how we work to prevent mass crises or our work in Guinea-Bissau.