CONAKRY/GENEVA – The UN’s human rights chief yesterday called on Guinea’s military rulers to allow a full inquiry into a lethal crackdown on opponents, describing the killings as a “bloodbath”.
Hospital sources cited by a local rights group said at least 157 people were killed as security forces broke up a rally with live rounds in the capital, Conakry, on Monday, while eyewitnesses spoke of sexual assaults on women and other abuses.
Military ruler Capt Moussa Dadis Camara has promised an inquiry into the killings but vowed to punish any opposition troublemakers and accused crowds at the rally of looting weapons from a police station.
“Monday’s bloodbath must not become part of the fabric of impunity that has enveloped Guinea for decades,” said UN high commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay, a former high court judge in South Africa.
Any inquiry had to be “both independent and impartial”, she said in a statement issued from her Geneva office.
Capt Camara seized power in the world’s top bauxite exporter in December 2008. He promised a transition to civilian rule but has not ruled out standing in a January election. He warned opponents that any “subversive” meetings would be banned.
Guinea began observing two days of national mourning yesterday. Most shops were closed, the streets of Conakry were quiet and there was no sign that opposition leaders – some of whom were wounded in the crackdown – were planning further rallies.
Monday’s violence, the worst since the December coup, drew international condemnation.
Former colonial power France said it had cut military co-operation with Guinea and would discuss further measures with European partners. – (Reuters)