Guinea’s dictator Camara apologizes: claims “atrocities” by “uncontrollable elements in the military.”
Moussa Dadis Camara, Guinea’s military leader, has apologized for the massacre of almost 160 of the country’s citizens by its own soldiers and police. More than 1300 others were injured. The brutal events have drawn international condemnation. Camara said: “Very frankly speaking, I’m very sorry, very sorry….”Even I, as head of state in this very tense situation, cannot claim to be able to control those elements in the military.”
He authorized two days of national mourning for Wednesday Sept 30, and Thursday October 1, 2009, and has promised an inquiry. However, he warned that “Any mass gatherings which are of a subversive nature are banned.”
Mouctar Diallo, a human rights activist, said on Radio France International
“I saw this myself….They were raping women publicly. Soldiers were shooting everywhere and I saw people fall.”
Guinea’s government has promised an investigation into why members of the military opened fire on an opposition protest killing, by some accounts, more than 150 people. On Tuesday September 29, 2009, Camara made his first public appearance since the brutal crackdown. The military leader Camara seized power in December 2008 following the death of the long-ruling president Lansana Conte.
why is the country in bad shape
I am 58, was born and raised in Guinea, and am very saddened that it is now in worse shape than it was 50 years ago. Misrule, poor governance, me-centeredness, a desire to be served rather to serve – all of these leadership issues are the reasons Guinea can't stand up and walk. It's not a followership problem, it's a leadership problem. Camara is just more of the same, business-as-usual, strongman leadership. He can't even accept responsibility for control of the military; notice how he abdicates. Always looking for another to blame. How does he expect to attract credible investors and capital when he can't even bring about a modicum of stability? I wouldn't even buy a used car from him. Guinea does need change, but Camara is not that change. He is simply Toure and Conte Jr.
It is disheartening that most leaders in Africa deceive the public by openly apologising . I have profound conviction that they will be lying. Had it been true, why would they continue leaving the perpetrators of violence going unpunished. Further to that, they, leaders such as Camara would be seen implementing coercive forces whenever they deem it necessary. The aspect of power itself aptly display that open apology is a tactic to manage public ears and the mouths too. For public consumption, the military leader is absolutely correct. What should be verified is whether his words are correctly put in good faith.
Africans, Africans peace only come through warm heart to our own people in the country and to the visitors. This is the time to abide by Fukuyama's understanding of the End of History. Immanuel Kant should also be respected for the perpetual peace to bear friuts. Many coups have been evidenced in Africa with the champions claiming to restore order and sanity. To our surprise little have the cou leaders learnt once they are in power. Instead of improving the situation better or at least maintaining the status quo.
I love peace. Let everyone love peace, lies aside that you ……………