Conakry, Guinea – (African Boulevard News) – The situation in Guinea, West Africa, continues to remain tense as the ruling junta requisitioned the army on Wednesday to quell the fresh opposition protests. The demonstrations were held to denounce the junta and demand the reinstatement of the ousted president, Alpha Conde.
According to reports, the junta warned that it could apply anti-terrorism laws, which provide for up to life imprisonment, against those who incite violence and cause public disorder. This move could further stifle the already limited freedom of expression in Guinea.
The opposition groups have been protesting the military takeover since September 2021, and the situation is spiraling out of control. The junta has been accused of numerous human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
The African Union (AU) has suspended Guinea’s membership following the coup, and the international community has urged the junta to restore democratic rule in the country. However, the junta has time and again rejected these calls and maintained its grip on power.
“The military junta’s decision to requisition the army is a clear sign that they will go to any length to retain their power, even at the cost of human lives,” said an expert on African politics. “The junta’s threat to apply anti-terrorism laws against protesters is concerning, as it could lead to a further crackdown on civil liberties and freedom of expression.”
The situation in Guinea has destabilized the entire region, and there are fears that the country could slip into chaos, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The economic prospects of Guinea are also at risk, as the international community has imposed sanctions on the country, leading to a decline in trade and investment.
The junta must realize that the only way out of this crisis is to engage in dialogue with the opposition groups and restore democratic rule in the country. The international community must also put pressure on the junta to step down and pave the way for free and fair elections.
In conclusion, the situation in Guinea remains critical, and the junta’s decision to requisition the army and threaten the use of anti-terrorism laws against protesters is concerning. The only way forward is for the junta to engage in dialogue with the opposition groups and restore democracy in the country. The international community must also do its part and put pressure on the junta to step down and pave the way for free and fair elections.
