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Dozens Killed in Crush at Guinea Football Match – Reports

KahawaTungu Reporter — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:04:00 +0000

Dozens of people have died in a crush following clashes at a football match in Guinea’s second-largest city, N’zérékoré, local media report.

Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah said a stampede at the event led to a number of victims on Sunday and called for calm.

One doctor, who did not want to be named, told AFP news agency that there were several bodies “lined up” in the local hospital, and the morgue was full.

Local media said police used tear gas after supporters of the visiting team, Labé, threw stones towards the pitch in anger at the referee.

So far no official casualty figures have been given.

“It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch,” one witness told AFP.

Videos and images on social media appear to show chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with large crowds attempting to climb over walls and numerous bodies on the ground.

The BBC has not been able to independently verify these videos.

Regional authorities are working to “restore calm”, Prime Minister Bah said in a statement, and added that hospitals are aiding the injured.

Thousands of spectators were present when the crush happened at a match between Guinean teams N’zérékoré and Labé, local news website MediaGuinee reported.

It said Sunday’s match was part of a tournament in honour of President Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup in September 2021.

One of the worst massacres in Guinea’s history also took place in a stadium.

In 2009, 156 people were killed after troops opened fire at an opposition rally at a stadium in the capital, Conakry.

Many were shot, stabbed, beaten or crushed in a stampede as security forces fired teargas and charged into the stadium. Scores of women were also raped.

Former military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity in connection with the massacre.

By BBC News

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West African nations call for firms to be able to offset carbon

KahawaTungu Editor — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 07:58:08 +0000

A group of 10 West African countries has weighed into a debate over whether companies around the world should be allowed to use carbon offsets to cut emissions, arguing they are critical to attracting financing for climate and conservation efforts.

While some scientists and technical advisers have criticised offsets as undermining efforts to rein in climate change by permitting the continued emissions of greenhouse gases, others see them as a necessary tool to boost crucial finance.

In a letter to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the world’s top corporate climate target verifier, the 10 countries called on its trustees to ensure offsetting is included within net-zero guidance to companies.

The letter, signed by Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Togo, said recent reports questioning the validity of offsetting emissions were the work of “misguided activists”.

There is growing debate over the ethics and efficacy of offsets, also called carbon credits, to excuse some corporate emissions. Offsets are generated by investing in projects that lower or prevent carbon emissions and can be traded.

The letter’s main author told Reuters that the lack of certainty in the SBTi’s guidance was damaging corporate confidence and slowing financing.

“The SBTi is, rightly or wrongly, the gatekeeper that can unlock finance from corporations around the world that wish to contribute to climate action … at the same time as (and not instead of) taking action to decarbonise their valuation,” said Ousmane Fall Sarr, coordinator of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance.

The SBTi’s current guidance only allows very limited use of renewable energy certificates which a company can use to reduce so-called Scope 2 emissions, those related directly to the energy it uses.

Also Read: Burkina Faso says Human Rights Watch massacre accusations ‘baseless’

But SBTi’s board of trustees said on April 9 that, subject to certain rules and guidance, it would allow them for Scope 3 emissions, those associated with their supply chains, distribution and product use. This was welcomed by both companies and developing countries that are relying on carbon offset projects to generate cash.

Uncertainty remained, however, because the board had not followed SBTi’s normal procedure for policy setting. SBTi has said it is reviewing the scientific research and debating the issue before making a final call.

In a statement to Reuters, it said it welcomed feedback from all stakeholders, and would open a public consultation once its research was complete.

‘NO ALTERNATIVE’

The SBTi, formed by a coalition of non-profit organisations, is seen as a key player in global efforts to scale up the market for voluntary carbon credits by addressing quality concerns and ensuring they deliver the benefits they claim.

The United States added momentum on April 28 by unveiling its own guidelines for voluntary carbon credits.

In their May 24 letter, the West African countries reminded the SBTi board of its pledge in April, which is still on its website. “To us, carbon markets is climate finance,” the letter said. “There is no alternative. We are at a pivotal moment.”

With climate financing still far below needed levels, the letter said offset revenues were crucial to supporting poor communities, encouraging conservation, making the transition to clean energy and adapting to the conditions of a warmer world.

The OECD has said poor nations’ actual climate investment needs could total $1 trillion per year by 2025.

Ousmane said the lack of clarity on offsets would also hold up country efforts to calculate and update their national climate plans ahead of the COP29 United Nations climate summit in November in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Countries must update these “nationally determined contributions” before next year’s COP30 summit in Brazil, but are being encouraged to submit them this year.

By Agencies.

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Two people shot dead as Guinea protest turns bloody

KahawaTungu Editor — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 18:58:38 +0000

Two youths were shot dead Monday in Conakry as Guinea’s capital was paralysed on the first day of an open-ended general strike against the military government that seized power in 2021 stands accused of stifling dissent.

A confederation of the main unions has urged public and private sectors to strike for the release of a prominent media activist, lower food prices, and an end to media censorship.

Schools, shops, markets, and roads were empty early Monday in Conakry and hospitals only offered skeletal services as youths set up barricades on arterial thoroughfares. Sporadic clashes broke out in some outskirts and two young men were shot dead.

“They killed our son, they targeted him and shot him in the neck,” Adama Keita, a relative of an 18-year-old who was caught up in clashes with security forces, told the AFP news agency.

This was confirmed by a witness and a police source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“I saw the motionless body of this teenager, I had tears in my eyes, and I immediately left the scene so as not to be associated with this type of crime,” the police source told AFP.

Also Read: Italian Court Blocks Return of Refugees and Migrants to Libya, Alarming Situation Unveiled

Another young man died elsewhere in similar circumstances, a doctor at the hospital where he died told AFP.

The strike comes a week after the military unexpectedly dissolved the transitional government – which had been in office since July 2022 – without providing a reason or announcing when a new one would be installed.

The military also ordered that the passports of government members be seized and their bank accounts frozen.

Protests have become rare under General Mamady Doumbouya, leader of the military government that took power in a September 2021 coup.

Doumbouya has not spoken publicly since the start of the year, despite a deadly explosion at the country’s main oil depot in December that left at least eight people dead, paralysing Guinea for several weeks.

The military leaders banned all demonstrations in 2022 and arrested several opposition leaders, civil society members, and journalists. Television channels have been removed and radio frequencies disrupted in a crackdown on media outlets.

The unions have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sekou Jamal Pendessa, secretary-general of the Union of Press Professionals of Guinea (SPPG), who was arrested at the end of January for “participating in an unauthorised protest”.

Pendessa was sentenced Friday to six months in prison, three of which were suspended.

Internet restrictions imposed three months ago were lifted last week, a day after the unions announced plans for the strike.

Even government officials backed the current protest.

“This strike is welcome, it will force the authorities to understand that they are not gods on earth,” a ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. “I’m on strike because Guineans are sick of the artificially created suffering, maintained by our leaders.”

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES

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DR Congo Secures Semifinal Spot in AFCON with Convincing 3-1 Win Over Guinea

KahawaTungu Editor — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 05:08:07 +0000

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) solidified their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinals with an impressive 3-1 victory over Guinea in an exhilarating match in Abidjan,. This win marks Sébastien Desabre’s men’s fourth consecutive head-to-head triumph against the National Elephants.

FULL-TIME!

The Leopards edge the Syli National in a 3-1 victory! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #RDCGUI pic.twitter.com/echitQ2agx

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 2, 2024

Following their historic knockout victory against Equatorial Guinea in the last 16, Kaba Diawara’s squad faced a formidable challenge against DR Congo. The game began at a frantic pace, with Yoane Wissa missing an early opportunity for the Leopards. Guinea secured a contentious penalty after Chancel Mbemba’s push on Mohamed Bayo, and Bayo capitalized on it to give Guinea the lead.

Also Read: Nigeria Secures Africa Cup of Nations Semi-Final Spot with Victory over Angola

In a swift response to his earlier mistake, Mbemba leveled the score just seven minutes later with a clinical strike into the net after Arthur Masuaku’s corner caused chaos in the Guinean defense. DR Congo continued to press, with Cédric Bakambu narrowly missing a chance to take the lead.

The Leopards maintained their momentum into the second half, earning a penalty after a marauding run from substitute Silas was halted by Julian Jeanvier. Wissa converted the penalty, giving DR Congo a narrow advantage. Despite Guinea’s attempts for a comeback, DR Congo celebrated a third goal with a spectacular long-range free-kick from Masuaku, sealing the victory and securing their place in the semifinals for the first time since 2015.

The win showcases DR Congo’s resilience and skill, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal clash in the AFCON tournament. Stay tuned for more updates as the Leopards aim for glory in the upcoming matches.

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Guinea Clinches Quarterfinal Spot with Last-Minute Goal

KahawaTungu Editor — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 04:08:43 +0000

Guinea secured a spot in the quarterfinals with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in a dramatic conclusion to their Africa Cup of Nations encounter at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium on Sunday. The decisive moment came in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Mohamed Bayo’s skillful glancing header found the net, concluding Equatorial Guinea’s impressive run in the tournament.

The round of 16’s second day resulted as the following. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/H12VD932YU

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024

Despite being down to 10 men in the second half, Equatorial Guinea had a chance to take the lead when awarded a penalty. However, Emilio Nsue, the tournament’s top scorer, struck the ball against the upright, denying his team the advantage.

Guinea, determined to break their streak of losses in the AFCON knockout stages, introduced Bundesliga-based players Naby Keita and Serhou Guirassy to bolster their attack. The turning point came in the 55th minute when Equatorial Guinea’s Federico Bikoro was sent off, giving Guinea a numerical advantage. Despite this, Equatorial Guinea failed to capitalize on a penalty opportunity shortly thereafter.

Also Read: DR Congo Secures Thrilling Victory in AFCON Shootout Against Egypt

Guinea’s victory was sealed with a well-executed header from Bayo, capitalizing on an accurate cross from Ibrahim Diakité. The win marked the end of Equatorial Guinea’s fairytale run, which included a stunning 4-0 victory over Ivory Coast.

Having secured their place in the quarterfinals, Guinea now awaits the winner of the match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt in San Pedro. This thrilling encounter showcased Guinea’s resilience and strategic play, setting the stage for an exciting continuation in the tournament.

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Guinea Junta Unveils Constitutional Referendum For 2024

KahawaTungu Reporter — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:49:20 +0000

The head of Guinea’s ruling junta says a constitutional referendum will be held in 2024, a key step towards the return of civilian rule after seizing power in a coup.

Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who has ruled since overthrowing the country’s first democratically elected president in 2021, announced the vote during an end-of-year speech late Sunday.

He gave no date for the referendum.

“In the new year, a new constitution which resembles us and brings us together will be submitted to a referendum,” Doumbouya said.

He promised a constitution “approved by the people and which is not a copy and paste but a constitution, which draws inspiration from the past to together build our future”.

Doumbouya also said that people appointed by the state will soon be named to lead municipal councils, which were elected in 2018 and whose mandates end in the first few months of the year.

Nearly all the councils are currently headed by officials from parties of the ousted civilian ex-president Alpha Conde or former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo who are critical of the military leadership.

Doumbouya said the announcements were due to a wish to “continue the considerable efforts to return to constitutional order through the organisation of free, democratic and transparent elections” respecting the timetable for a transition back to civilian rule.

Conde took office in 2010 after decades of authoritarian rule.

But he came under increasing fire after pushing through a constitutional reform that critics had argued was designed to allow him to run for a third term.

After taking power, Doumbouya, under international pressure, promised to hand the reins of government back to elected civilians by January 2026.

The September 2021 coup is among a string of putsches and attempted coups in West Africa since 2020.

By AFP

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Moussa Dadis Camara: Guinea Ex-ruler Taken by Armed Men Back in Jail

KahawaTungu Reporter — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 05:29:56 +0000

Guinea’s former military ruler, Moussa Dadis Camara, is back in jail after being taken from prison by armed men, according to his lawyer.

The group stormed a jail in the capital, Conakry, early on Saturday morning – taking Capt Camara and three others.

Those taken are currently on trial for their alleged roles in deaths of more than 150 people in a 2009 protest.

Besides Capt Camara, two other prisoners have also been found.

It is unclear if they were kidnapped or freed by their supporters.

Capt Camara’s lawyer earlier told the BBC the former leader was taken against his will and that he would never try to escape prison, as he had confidence in the Guinean judicial system.

The country’s borders were closed as the authorities hunted for him and the others that were taken.

Guinea’s Justice Minister, Charles Alphonse Wright, announced the escape on local radio.

“We will find them. And those responsible will be held accountable,” he said.

Gunshots were heard in Conakry, starting before dawn. The city centre was cordoned off and military vehicles were also seen on the streets.

Among the others reported to have escaped were Col Claude Pivi, a former government minister who is accused of also being involved in the murder of people at Conakry stadium on 28 September 2009.

At least 157 people died when troops attacked people protesting against military rule. Scores of women were sexually assaulted.

Col Pivi, Capt Camara and nine other former officials who have been charged over the massacre have all denied the allegations against them.

Capt Camara is charged with having command responsibility over the soldiers who carried out the alleged crimes.

He seized power in 2008 when long-time President Lansana Conté died, but he was ousted and fled the country not long after the Conakry killings and following an assassination attempt.

The 59-year-old had been living in Burkina Faso before returning to Guinea in September 2022 to face justice.

Guinea is currently under military rule, one of several former French colonies in West and Central Africa that have staged coups in the past three years.

The most recent happened in 2021, when former French soldier Col Mamady Doumbouya led a rebellion against President Alpha Condé. Col Doumbouya was later sworn in as president.

By BBC

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Former Guinea Dictator Camara, Two Others Escape from Prison in a Jailbreak

KahawaTungu Reporter — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 10:26:16 +0000

Gunmen stormed the main prison in Guinea’s capital early Saturday and freed former dictator Moussa “Dadis” Camara, the country’s justice minister said.

Authorities announced the closure of the West African nation’s borders.

The announcement by Justice Minister Charles Alphonse Wright came several hours after heavy gunfire erupted in the Kaloum district of the capital, Conakry.

Among the others who escaped were Claude Pivi and Blaise Goumou, Wright said.

“We will find them. And those responsible will be held accountable,” Wright told local Radio Fim FM.

Camara, who came to power in a 2008 coup d’etat, had been detained in connection with a stadium massacre during his brief time in power. He had lived for years in exile after surviving an assassination attempt before returning home in late 2021.

Several witnesses said the roads were empty and armoured vehicles stationed in several points.

Kaloum is located on a peninsula and houses the presidency and several top government and administrative offices as well as the military headquarters and the main prison.

Several witnesses said the firing took place near the jail and the 8 Novembre bridge — the sole access route to the city centre.

An airport source said no flights had taken off from Conakry’s international airport on Saturday morning as air traffic staff could not get to the airport from Kaloum.

Dictatorships and coups –

Guinea is among several countries to have seen coups since 2020, along with Mali, Burkina Faso and this year, Niger and Gabon.

The latest spurt of unrest in Conakry comes as Guinea holds the trial of the former dictator Camara, who was held in the centre of the capital since hearings began in September last year.

Camara and 10 other former military and government officials are accused over a 2009 massacre carried out by security forces loyal to the then-junta leader.

The killing of 156 people and the rape of at least 109 women started at a political rally in a Conakry stadium on September 28, 2009 and continued in the days that followed, according to a UN-mandated enquiry.

Camara — who himself came to power in a coup in December 2008 — and his co-defendants are charged with murder, sexual violence, torture, abduction and kidnapping.

By Agencies

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Afcon: Gambia Shock Naby Keita’s Guinea

Bonface Osano — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 02:37:47 +0000

Gambia shocked favourites Guinea 1-0 to reach Africa Cup of Nations, Afcon quarterfinals for the first time asking.

Musa Barrow scored the lone goal in the 71st minute to ensure the debutants wonder tale at the Cameroon Afcon continues.

Read: Afcon: Tunisia Spoil Nigeria’s Party

Both teams finished the game a man less after Yusupha Njie (Gambia) and Ibrahima Conte (Guinea) were sent off for second yellows.

The win sparked wild celebrations in the capital Banjul.

Celebrations have already started in Gambia

After the debutants qualified for their FIRST ever AFCON quarter-finals. #AFCON2021

pic.twitter.com/yeeiwS4pPn

— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) January 24, 2022

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These Sub-Saharan African Countries Lost Sh26 billion Due to Internet Shutdowns in 2020

Francis Muli — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:53:55 +0000

Globally, citizens in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and some places in South America face different levels of internet and social media restriction from time to time. The infringement on freedom of speech is often meted as a means of intimidation and censorship.

According to a Top10VPN report, internet shutdowns across the globe have caused overall economic losses totaling up to $4.01 billion in 2020, down 50 percent from the figures in 2019. The cases were also less compared to 2019, but the report showed that they lasted longer by 74 percent despite the pandemic.

The Sub-Saharan countries included in the list are Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, Chad, Guinea, Burundi, and Togo, all of which experienced various shutdowns in 2020.

Read: Ethiopia Suffers Sh10 Billion Loss Following Internet Shut Down

Uganda started off the year with internet and social media shutdowns around the January 14 election period that saw President Yoweri Museveni re-elected.

The economic impact of the shutdowns in the region declined 810 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. This was a significant drop compared to countries that experienced higher economic impact with India topping the list after it lost $2.3 billion in 2020 compared to $1.3 billion in 2019.

The economic costs are calculated based on national and regional Gross Domestic Products (GDPs), or economic value of Internet users in the affected region.

The issue of Internet moderation and outright censorship also arose as it emerged that all disruptions are sanctioned by the government.

Ethiopia suffered a series of consecutive shutdowns following protests over the killing of a popular singer, the national elections, and tribal conflicts in Tigray. The Top10VPN report shows that the cumulative shutdown hours amounted to 1,536 affecting 9.5 million users. As a result, the country suffered economic losses amounting to $111.3 million.

Sudan was the worst-hit Sub-Saharan country and second globally after it lost $1.9 billion due to disruptions in 2019. Last year, the country imposed shutdowns in the country aimed at curbing examination malpractices. This was in sharp contrast to the shutdowns imposed in 2019 arising from civil unrest and electoral chaos. The country suffered a $68.7 million loss due to the disruptions within 36 hours.

Tanzania experienced 168 hours of social media shutdown and 264 hours of total Internet disruption ahead of the presidential elections. The country lost $27.5 million within the period.

Chad citizens spent 4,608 hours shut out of social media and complete internet shutdown in a move aimed at curbing “misinformation” following the death of a civilian at the hands of a military officer. As a result, the country lost $23.1 million.

Guinea lost $6.1 million within 238 hours while Burundi and Togo lost less than $300,000 after 24 hours of internet and social media shutdowns during the election period.

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