ECOWAS kicks out Guinea

  1. Posted on Sunday 11 January 2009 - 06:48
    accreporter
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    Kent Mensah, AfricaNews editor in Accra, Ghana
    Guinea has been suspended from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. The Economic Community of West African States on Saturday ruled that the world's top bauxite exporter would be recognized as a member when the military junta which seized power last month held democratic election sometime soon.
    Dadis Camara
    The African Union was the first to show the former French colony the exit in December following criticisms from international donors and world super powers such as the United States and the European Union for elections as soon as possible.

    "ECOWAS suspends Guinea from all meetings of ECOWAS at heads of state and ministerial levels until constitutional order is restored," ECOWAS Commission President Mohamed Ibn Chambas told a meeting of leaders of the 15-member regional body in Abuja.

    But he said ECOWAS would maintain "a permanent and constructive dialogue" with the junta and other stakeholders in Guinea to ensure the quick organization of democratic polls, the Reuters news agency reported.

    The National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) -- a junta led by young army captain Moussa Dadis Camara -- seized power in Guinea on December 23 after the death of autocratic President Lansana Conte, who had ruled since 1984.

    It has appointed a civilian transition government and promised elections in 2010. But Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, who endorsed the coup leaders, has suggested polls could be held earlier, while French secretary of state for cooperation Alain Joyandet has said Camara had agreed to hold polls within 12 months.

    Ibn Chambas said last month that the junta's original plan for elections in 2010 was "not acceptable" and that a two-year transition period was too long.

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