| Weather | Traffic | Surf | Maps | Webcam

News
Metro | Latest News
North County
Temecula/Riverside
Tijuana/Border
California
Nation
Mexico
World
Obituaries
Today's Paper
AP Headlines
Business
Technology
Biotech
Markets
In Depth
In Iraq
War on Terror
Pension Crisis
Special Reports
Multimedia
Photo Galleries
Topics
Education
Features
Health | Fitness
Military
Politics
Science
Solutions
Travel
Opinion
Columnists
Steve Breen
Forums
Weblogs
Services
Weather
Traffic
Just Fix It
Surf Report
Archives
E-mail Newsletters
Wireless | RSS
Noticias en Enlace
Internet Access
Sponsored Links
| Guinea army has orders to shoot rioters, looters
By Saliou Samb REUTERS 4:27 a.m. February 14, 2007 CONAKRY – Soldiers and police in Guinea were under orders to shoot anti-government rioters and looters on Wednesday as they searched homes for stolen firearms on the second day of martial law in the West African country. The world's No. 1 bauxite exporter is under military authority after President Lansana Conte declared a state of siege to halt a wave of protests that accompanied the restart by unions on Monday of a general strike, the second this year. Well over 110 people have been killed since early January in clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters led by union bosses who say Conte, a reclusive, chain-smoking diabetic in his 70s, is unfit to rule. The riots and labor stoppages have disrupted Guinea's strategic foreign-run production and shipments of bauxite, the ore from which aluminium metal is extracted. Armed soldiers and police were out in force in the dilapidated seaside capital Conakry and upcountry towns to impose a stringent curfew restricting civilians to their homes all night and in the morning hours. In the Conakry neighbourhoods of Koloma, Bambeto and Cosa, all hotbeds of anti-government unrest, soldiers were searching for 500 firearms they said had been looted from a private weapons business selling hunting rifles. The military was however allowing individuals to visit private houses and seek food supplies on foot during the curfew hours, as long as they did not cause unrest or form groups. Government, diplomatic and international humanitarian vehicles were also being allowed to circulate. But military authorities warned they would fire on troublemakers and looters. 'Certain people came out during the night to resist. We've told the soldiers these are bandits and that they shouldn't hesitate to shoot,' a senior police officer, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. Army Chief of Staff Kerfala Camara went on state television late on Tuesday to say he had ordered the military to use their weapons if they faced any resistance or threats. But he announced the curfew was being eased to allow people to be out for two hours longer, from midday to 6 p.m.. RUMORS OF FOREIGN FIGHTERS At least three people were shot and killed on Tuesday in Labe, 250 km (155 miles) northeast of Conakry, when protesters confronted police. Police and soldiers were guarding Labe's market and streets on Wednesday, residents said. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour have led international calls for the Guinea government to show restraint. Fears that the unrest in Guinea could spill over into volatile neighbours Guinea Bissau, Liberia and Ivory Coast have been compounded by rumors that Conte is using Guinea Bissau troops and Liberian mercenaries to bolster his own forces. But a senior Guinean military officer denied this. 'There are only Guinean soldiers on the ground at the moment,' the officer, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. Nevertheless, military sources said the rumors of foreign troops had caused some unease in Guinean military ranks, where young officers have also been agitating for promotions. Conte, who seized power in a 1984 coup, has counted on the support of the armed forces for his autocratic rule, and analysts say this remains key to him staying in power. Following a crippling 18-day strike last month, union bosses resumed the strike on Monday after Conte named a close ally, Eugene Camara, as prime minister, a move they said violated an earlier agreement.
Sponsored Links
Quicklinks
Restaurants |  | Bars |
Hotels |  | Autos |
Shopping |  | Health |
Eldercare |  | Singles |
Business Listings
Free Newsletters
Sign Up Now!
Cell Phone Alerts
Privacy Policy
Guides
Vegas |  | Spas/Salon |
Travel |  | Weddings |
Wine |  | Old Town |
Baja |  | Catering |
Casino |  | Home Imp. |
Golf |  | SD North |
Gaslamp |  |  |

Contact SignOnSanDiego.com | Online Media Kit | Print Media Kit | Frequently Asked Questions | Make us your homepage Contact the Union-Tribune | About the Union-Tribune | Site Index | Privacy & Copyright Policy | Your California Privacy Rights © Copyright 2007 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. • A Copley Newspaper Site