CONAKRY, Guinea – Guinea's president named a new prime minister Monday from a list approved by union leaders, replacing an ally whose appointment sparked protests that have killed scores of people in recent weeks.
In a decree read on state radio, President Lansana Conte appointed Lansana Kouyate as prime minister. Kouyate, who has worked for several international groups serving West Africa, takes over from Eugene Camara, a longtime Cabinet member whose appointment angered the unions, which said it violated a power-sharing deal.
Scores died in clashes with security forces and subsequent rioting after Camara was appointed earlier this month. Unions restarted a nationwide strike in protest and called for Conte to step down.
The strikes have crippled the economy, shut down the port and forced up prices for key commodities. The country of 10 million is deeply impoverished despite having half the world's supply of bauxite – the raw material of aluminum – as well as iron ore, gold and diamonds.
The unions called off the strike Sunday after the president agreed to replace Camara with a more independent prime minister chosen from a list of five union-approved candidates.
Kouyate has been based most recently in Ivory Coast, where he represented the International Organization of Francophone countries. He has also worked for the 15-member Economic Community of West African States and the political affairs section of the United Nations.
The unions have complained of economic problems and demanded salary increases and arrears of months of unpaid wages. Recently, they have become more political, saying the country's hardships are symptoms of a corrupt government that neglects its people.
After a strike in January turned bloody with security forces firing on demonstrators and killing dozens, Conte agreed to appoint a new prime minister with increased powers. Many hoped the move would be the start of the end for Conte, who has ruled the country for 23 years.
Instead of naming a consensus premier, however, Conte selected longtime government deputy Camara. Angry youths took the streets again upon hearing their president's choice and unions resumed strikes Feb. 12.
Conte responded by imposing martial law the same day.
The government ended the so-called “state of siege” Friday after lawmakers, in a rare show of dissent, unanimously rejected the president's request to extend it.
Bordering on Sierra Leone and Liberia – both recovering from wars – as well as Ivory Coast – divided by its own conflict – Guinea is seen as a potential flashpoint in an already precarious region.
The post of prime minister had been vacant since Conte fired Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo in April.
