A new transitional government has been formed in Guinea. The Prime Minister Jean Mary Dore and his cabinet members will lead the country through this difficult phase. Soon after the announcement of Mr. Dore’s government (list of ministers available here), President Sekouba Konate published the list of his own cabinet, endowed with important roles and involved in every decision making process.
It seems that the country has two distinct governments. However, the real executive power remains in the hands of Sekouba Konate and his cabinet members. The entire government is composed of members form all social and ethnic groups, but it is surprising and a tremendous disappointment to the cabinet appointments of hard core remnants of the CNDD – notably Commandant Claude Pivi and Lieutenant Colonel Thieboro Camara – widely thought to share responsibility with other junta leaders for the September 28 massacre and mass rapes.
In Dore’s government, one of the greatest disappointments is the Minister of Justice – which did not change from the previous CNDD military government. Colonel Siba Lohalamou, a close ally of Dadis, keeps his seat and in doing so squelches all hope for any serious action now against the perpetrators of the 9/28 crimes against humanity through the Guinean judicial system. Finally, the presence of General Toto Camara as Security and “Civil Protection” Minister also raises serious doubts about just how well civilians – and their rights – will be protected during the transition.
Until free democratic elections are organized and a President issued from popular votes is put into office, democracy will remain just a dream for Guineans all over the world. Apparently, justice and will have to wait until then as well. This transitional government is formed only to please everyone regardless of the qualifications and backgrounds of its members – and, probably, to try to keep some of the worst elements in check. The real test will be if they can do what it takes to organize the elections and set the stage for democratic change and the end of impunity in the long term.
Sekou Konde for Alliance Guinea
