AFRICAN UNION SLAPS SANCTIONS ON GUINEA JUNTA

Leaders of African States have imposed a barrage of new sanctions on the military rulers in Guinea due to the massacre on many supporters of the opposition. The head of states that are part of the African Union Peace and Security Council decided that it was necessary to take such actions such as denying visas, travel restrictions, and the freezing of assets. A list of of those that are going to targeted by the sanctions will be sent to the Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Conference and a group of French-speaking nations in order to give the issue a global perspective. The EU has also placed an arms embargo on members of the junta.

By: Aminat T. Odunewu

Guinea Placed Under Arms Embargo

Members of ECOWAS, Economic Community of West African States, have decided to place a weapons embargo on Guinea's military government. This decision was made during a special summit in Nigeria on Saturday. The chairman of ECOWAS, Umaru Yar'adua, has been asked to gain support from the African Union, European Union and the United Nations in order to condemn the attacks that Camara's troops carried out on an opposition rally. The attack killed 157 civillians and 1200 more were injured. Amnesty International also claims that women were raped and sexually abused by Camara's troops and the African Union has asked for him to resign. The case is currently being looked at by the International Court of Justice.

By. Aminat Odunewu

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.