Guinea: Normalcy Returns In Conakry after Conde’s Residence Attack
By Staff Writer
CONAKRY---A state of normalcy is slowly yielding to the Guinean capital Conakry two days after uneasy calm prevailed Tuesday in the city following a rocket attack on the private residence of President Alpha Conde.
The precarious situation led to a restless state for some hours then later calmed when residents in Conakry, though visibly worried, came out as a group to their offices and other working places.
In the commune of Kaloum which is the administrative and business centre of Conakry, the public administration, the private sector, banks and other major market and social areas embarked on business as usual from Wednesday.
Despite the calm atmosphere and the appeal for calm by the Guinean authorities, some military blockades can be seen at strategic road junctions in the capital.
In addition, security forces were still combing the main avenues but such patrols somewhat scared the residents.
A day after this attack, the Guinean authorities, political parties or civil society organizations held emergency meetings in Conakry to either condemn the incident, open an investigation or renew support to President Conde.
In a brief address Tuesday afternoon, Conde appealed to his compatriots to demonstrate serenity in reaction to an apparent assassination attempt on him at his residence by soldiers, some of whom have since been rounded up.
In a speech warning his detractors to desist from pitting fellow Guineans against each other, the head of state harped on the need to foster a sense of national cohesion, which he claimed was required to meet the myriad challenges inherent in the democratization process.
Guinean security forces have arrested 37 soldiers in the wake of a rocket attack on President Alpha Conde's home in Conakry, a military source told reporters Wednesday.
Most of those arrested are close allies of General Sekouba Konate, who led a transition government, and of former junta chief Moussa Dadis Camara, who led the country between 2008 and 2009 after seizing power, the source said.
An influential colonel nicknamed "De Gaulle" who has ties to Konate is among those arrested, as well as Alpha Oumar Diallo, a commander and ally of former president Lansana Conte who died in 2008 after a 24-year rule.
All the suspects are being held at the national police headquarters in Conakry, the source added.
He said former army Chief Nouhou Thiam, who was arrested on Tuesday, was still in custody and considered a suspect.
The newly elected President Conde, escaped unhurt after a rocket hit his home in the early hours of Tuesday morning, but a member of his presidential guard was killed and two others injured as they fought off an attack for over two hours.