After the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) postponed calling for a demonstration that was to be the first significant protest march under the now-ruling junta, Guinean Prime Minister Mohamed Béavogui met with political parties to reduce tensions.
In spite of a recent protest ban enforced by the military authorities who toppled previous president Alpha Conde in September, the FNDC had called for citizens to take to the streets on Thursday.
“Only an inclusive approach, adapted to the Guinean reality, will enable us to lay the foundations for the good life together that we all aspire to.
” We have already set up an inter-ministerial council, a group of colleagues. We are going to refine the group as we go along… You also have to get organised. The government is counting on the good faith of all the participants in this consultation.” the Prime Minister of the transitional government, Mohamed Béavogui, told the political parties, civil society organizations and trade unions.
Since Colonel Mamady Doumbouya ousted President Alpha Conde in September 2021, Guinea has been governed by a military junta. The three-year transition period has been designated by the authorities.
Less than a week will pass before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit, where it is anticipated that a decision will be made regarding the renewal of economic sanctions.
Since early 2002, there have been two efforts at consultations; however, many organizations, including the National Alliance for Change and Democracy (ANAD) and the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution, boycotted both of them (FNDC).
Both political coalitions were present during this period. In order to “give a chance” to the conversation that the Prime Minister had suggested, the FNDC, which had organised months of mobilisation against Mr. Conde from 2019 to 2021, had deferred its call for a demonstration against the length of the transition on Wednesday.
He stated that accepting an ECOWAS mediator was a need for their participation in the dialogue.
The former ruling party, the Rassemblement du peuple de Guinée (RPG arc-en-ciel), on the other hand, declined to participate and made its acceptance contingent upon the release of its detained leaders and an end to the targeting and detention of political figures.
“It is essential that each of us here understand once and for all that the only agenda that counts is that of the people,” said the Prime Minister in his opening remarks.
