Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Guinea News: Unknown Assailants attack President's private residence.

Attack on home of Guinea President Conde repelled

Alpha Conde photographed by the BBC in Dakar - February 2011 (Photo: BBC's Noel Akapko)President Conde was elected last year, after Guinea was returned to civilian rule


Forces loyal to Guinean President Alpha Conde have repelled an attack by unknown assailants on his private residence in the capital Conakry.
Heavy gunfire erupted in the early hours of Tuesday and a shoot-out followed, reports say.
At least one member of Mr Conde's security detail was killed, presidential official Francois Fall told AP news agency.
Mr Conde called for calm in a state TV broadcast following the attack.
The shooting has subsided, but Conakry remains tense, reports say. Many people are staying at home.
The security forces have set up road blocks near the palace, and are searching vehicles.
Guinea has had a turbulent history of coups and ethnic conflict, and emerged only recently from a period of military rule.
Alpha Conde
  • Aged 73
  • First democratically elected leader since independence
  • Long-time opposition leader
  • Jailed several times
'Heroic' fight
The attack on Mr Conde's home began in the early hours of Tuesday morning. At one point in the attack it appears his home was struck by a rocket.
As well as the guard killed, several more were wounded and portions of the house were destroyed, Mr Fall told AP.
He said the president was safe and was being protected in an undisclosed location. An investigation had been launched but it was too early to name who was behind the attack, Mr Fall said.
"I urge you to remain calm and vigilant for the sake of national unity," Mr Conde said in a state TV address on Tuesday morning.
"I don't want any popular reaction... Allow the army and security forces to do their job.
"My house was attacked last night but I congratulate the presidential guard who fought heroically from 0310 until 0500 [GMT] before back-up arrived," said Mr Conde.
Map
"Our enemies can try everything, but they cannot prevent the Guinean people's march towards democracy. Democracy has begun and it will continue, I promised you change and, God willing, change will happen."
Residents said police had blocked access to parts of central Conakry and were searching passing cars.
In December, Mr Conde, a veteran opposition leader, was declared the winner of Guinea's first democratic election since independence 52 years beforehand.
He took over from the military junta that had seized power in December 2008 on the death of the previous president, Lansana Conte, who had ruled for 24 years.
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bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14197052

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