Well as of this past sunday, Oct. 25 my Peace Corps service was officially over. I don't know how many of you have been following the news but the Peace Corps program in Guinea has been suspended. Not to use the word evaucation, but for lack of better word, we were evacuated from Guinea in the beginning of October and brought to Bamako, Mali. The reason for our departure was due to the political situation in Guinea.
I'll give you a bried overview of whats been happening in Guinea...
- December 23, 2008 former President Lansana Conte died. Captain Moussa Dadis Camara came to power in a bloodless coup d'etat.
- Before Conte's death elections were scheduled for 2010. After the coup elections were put on hold, and the consitution was also suspeded.
- Since Dadis came into power the international community has not been happy, not wanting to support a military leader and pushing for elections.
- Elections are scheduled for January, Febuary and legislative elections in March. Dadis has refused to say whether or not he will run in the elections. Further angering the international community.
- The African Union gave Dadis a month to decided whether or not he will run, he 'accidentally' missed the deadline.
- Sept. 28, 2009 there was an Anti-Dadis rally in one of the stadiums in Conakry, the military got wind and troops were sent there. They opened fire on the people, women were raped and the number of those killed is still unknown.
- The following friday the bodies of those killed were brought to the grande mosque. The family and friends of the deceased showed up to identify their loved ones, only to find that not all of the bodies had been brought.
- After the massacre the international community called for Dadis to make a decision on his candidacy. Hilary Clinton spoke out about the violence, and member of the State Department was sent to negotiate with Dadis.
- The embassy evacuated all non-essential personnel to Dakar. They were put there until futher notice, but as of now have been sent home.
- The State Department called for the evacuation of Peace Corps volunteers.
- The conditions for the return of Peace Corps Volunteers to Guinea is a peaceful transition to power. Which means Dadis does not remain in power.
- Dadis still has not said whether or not he will run, and he has decided to turn the decision over to Blaise Compare (the President of Burkina Faso).
- Food prices are rising and the value of the Franc Guinean is falling.
-People are calling for more strikes because of the violence of Sept 28.
That is pretty much all I can remember. I'm sure that I missed somethings, and am not completely accurate. But you get the gist. The Peace Corps program is suspened until further notice, and it is unclear whether or not the program will reopen. Everyone is trying to remain hopeful.
As for me, I am now living and trying to find work in Bamako. I am living with a wonderful family, who taking great care of me. So rest assured I am in good hands. I am not sure how long I am planning to be here but I'll keep you all posted. I miss everyone and thanks for following my adventures in Guinea and here's to new adventures in Mali!!
Vive La Guinee!
