France led international pressure on Guinea's military rulers by cutting military cooperation today after a crackdown by the security forces on their opponents killed 157 people.
Condemnation of Guinea's junta intensified, with France also joining the European Union and African Union in considering sanctions after security forces shot at tens of thousands of protesters urging military ruler Captain Moussa Dadis Camara to step down.
Yesterday’s violence was the worst since Mr Camara seized control of the world's top bauxite exporter in a December 2008 coup. But the junta leader said he was not responsible for the deaths and would still hold meetings to decide on whether to stand in a presidential election due in early 2010.
"France has decided to immediately suspend military cooperation with Guinea. It is also reviewing its entire bilateral aid," French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner said.
"At our request, the European Union will meet tomorrow in Brussels to examine additional measures, particularly against individuals, that could be taken swiftly," he said, adding that Paris, Guinea's former colonial ruler, was also talking to the African Union and the United Nations Security Council about the situation.
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has condemned the killings, which eyewitnesses said were unprovoked, indiscriminate and involved sexual abuse.
The death toll rose to 157 today. "According to hospital sources that we have spoken to, 157 dead and 1,253 injured have been registered," said Thierno Maadjou Sow, president of the Guinean Human Rights Organisation.
Mr Sow told Reuters the figure did not include the bodies of those demonstrators killed at the September 28 stadium but which had not been delivered to hospitals.
The clashes follow months on wrangling between Capt Camara and his opponents, who are backed by donors and regional bodies in insisting he should not stand in a January presidential poll. Capt Camara has not made any official declaration but diplomats say he has told them in private he will be a candidate.
The African Union also called on Capt Camara to confirm he would honour his pledge not to stand in the election and so allow transition back to civilian rule.