Sunday, January 11, 2009

West African Organization blocks Guinea from meetings

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has blocked Guinea from all further meetings until Constitutional Order is restored. Guinea, which until recently has been ruled by President Lansana Conte since 1984, has been in turmoil since Captain Moussa Dadis Camara led a coup following the late President's death. The new leader has pledged to fight corruption and hold elections, but neither has been instituted yet.

Regional support has been mixed, with some neighbors expressing a willingness to work with the new leaders, while others have halted economic and political support. Besides Ecowas, the African Union has also suspended the membership of Guinea, and the United States has halted monetary aid. Guinea is an important source of bauxite, which 1/3 of the world's reserves located within the country, making it the world's second largest producer. It is also an important source of gold, nickel, iron, and diamonds.

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