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Africa Action Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Break the Silence: Condemn the Violence! The U.S. Government Must Support Human Rights, Rule of Law in Guinea Tuesday, September 29, 2009 (Washington, DC) –In light of reports that over 157 people were killed in Conakry, the capitol of Guinea, when troops opened fire on opposition protestors, Africa Action unequivocally condemns this brutal repression and calls upon the U.S. Government and the international community to publicly condemn the actions of the military Junta. More worrying are reports that women are being especially targeted for abuse by the military. Specific information has pointed to the fact that large numbers of women have been raped or sexually abused. The military junta in Guinea must be held accountable for this gross violation of human rights. Africa Action calls for an end to the culture of impunity that has prevailed so far in the country, before human rights conditions decline further. The U.S. should focus on working with the African Union, the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) and civil society organizations in the region so to protect human rights activists and advance democracy and rule of law in Guinea. Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action said this morning, “This situation in Guinea is appalling. While debate and divisions between political parties are welcome, we are now receiving word of abductions, torture, and rape in the capitol area. The U.S. must break the silence and publicly condemn the violence.” Adding to the international community’s outrage around this week’s violence in Guinea, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned 'excessive use of force' against protesters in Guinea. Michael Stulman, Associate Director for Policy and Communications adds, “Guinea cannot be relegated to the lists of failed and failing states on the continent. It is one of the richest countries on the continent, in terms of mineral wealth, however, people in the region still live in abject poverty.” He added, “There is grassroots support for democracy and development, but the U.S. should exert greater leadership to support human security on the region.” ####
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Press Releases & Advisories
