Guinea Death Toll Rises to 157, Claims Rights Group
In the aftermath of a crackdown by Guinean security forces on opponents of the military junta, the death toll has gone up to 157, claimed a local rights group, quoting hospital sources in the capital.
It may be mentioned that security forces opened fire on thousands of protesters on Monday who were urging military ruler Captain Moussa Dadis Camara to step down. The crackdown was internally condemned and there was even threat of sanctions from the African Union.
“According to hospital sources that we have spoken to, 157 dead and 1,253 injured have been registered,” Thierno Maadjou Sow, president of the Guinean Human Rights Organisation, was quoted as saying by Reuters.
At the same time, Sow clarified that the figure did not include those protestors who were killed at the Septmber 28 stadium but which had not been delivered to hospitals.
Since 2008 when Camara seized power in a coup, the clashes are worst in the world’s top bauxite exporting country. Following coup, there was wrangling between Camara and opponents who insist he should not stand in a January presidential poll.
Earlier, Camara was called on by the African Union to confirm that he would keep his pledge and not stand in the election and so allow transition to civilian rule.
“In this respect the (AU) Commission is preparing a report on the developments in Guinea and possible measures to be taken, including sanctions,” it said in a statement which did not elaborate what steps were envisaged.
International criticism of the violence, which several witnesses said included sexual abuse, was immediate.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and former colonial power France condemned the killings, which eyewitnesses said were unprovoked and indiscriminate.
