In Guinea, the electoral process is still in crisis; everyone wonders what the president thinks of the transition. RFI was able to talk extensively and exclusively with General Konaté. Minutes of a night meeting.

Konaté is a mystery. Is he so disinterested in the power as he claims? In Conakry, everybody speculates, and everyone is convinced of possessing the truth, without giving anyformal proof.

With his words to him, General Chairman replied: "I've got nothing to do with the power. All I want is to slam the door, but my team is stopping me. In Ouagadougou, they forced my hand, I would never have accepted. "

Later in the interview, comes the question of the crisis over the electoral commission. Direct response of Konate: "I do not understand anything about politics; I leave all to Tibou Kamara, Secretary General of the Presidency that I just appointed minister of state."

Bluff or a real scenario?

When the subject of Dadis Camara comes on the table, the president of the transition , Sekou Konaté does not hide his anger toward his predecessor as head of the country: "A wrong guy, a liar, now he is afraid of me and does everything to avoid me in Ouagadougou.

Guinean political leaders are also criticized: "I told them several times to meet but they do not listen to me and ethnic problems mount." says konaté.

At about two o'clock in the morning came this grave threat, it is difficult to know if this is a bluff to make pressure on the political class, or a real scenario in preparation: "If both candidates are unable to agree, I will turn the garrisons and I appoint if necessary by force a civilian as head of the country. " he added.
General Konaté calms down.
Speaking after a video conference he held with the Chief of Staff of the military command of the United States for Africa (AFRICOM), General William Ward, the transitional president General Sékouba Konaté reiterated his commitment to organize quick elections in his country.
General Konaté assured that the Guinean army is neutral in the process and it will serve the new president elected.
Moreover, the Guinean President met briefly with U.S. Ambassador to Conakry, Ms. Patricia Moller, who attended the video conference with Gen. William Hard.
The meeting of General Konate came hours after his threats to impose a civilian president to lead the country if both candidates Cellou Dalein Diallo and Alpha Conde, do not find a compromise to resolve the crisis in Guinea.
Mixed reactions after the interview of Konaté with RFI.
The interview of General Konaté with FRI provoked many reactions.

As for Bah Oury, the vice president of UFDG (Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea), Cellou Dalein Diallo, this statement is primarily a joke:
"It's a joke on his part but because of the legitimacy of the vote in the first round. If he must do so, he must impose Cellou Dalein Diallo as President of the Republic because that's what will be consistent with certain legitimacy. His quip may reflect a certain view of the stability that the country and the democratic process can move forward to. "
"We believe that General Konate is a good man who did what he could to the country till now and we think he should continue that effort. He is irritated, it is understood. But on our side we will do everything in order to facilitate his task in the best interests of Guinea. "Explained Kiridi Bangoura, campaign manager ofAlpha Conde

National Council of Civil Society Organizations (CNOSOG) has shown that they are rather worried after that statement.
"It's a reaction that concerns us (...) I wish he could now play a central role in organizing the second round. He will not impose a civilian, I think, because the people will not accept it. The bodies of the transition must all meet and formalize case consultation. Said Aziz Diop, Executive Secretary of CNOSOG."


Mamadou Dian Donghol Diallo
The africanews in Conakry.