Rumblings in Guinea
While this West African nation doesn't usually get a lot of press, Guinea seems to be sweeping the headlines this morning. Not necessarily on TV in the States, but the web is buzzing with reports about a possible coup d'etat.
Their authoritarian President Lansana Conte has died. In the power vacuum that sometimes follows the death of a leader, it seems a little known military-led group is making a power grab for the government.
The New York Times reports the National Council for Democracy and Development has dissolved the government and has suspended the Constitution.
But a news flash from the Associated Press reports Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare announced not too long ago that "he is in his office and the government had not been dissolved."
And now new reports say three tanks and dozens of armed soldiers are heading toward the presidential compound as I write this.
There is an internal power struggle going on in this predominantly Muslim country.
But this seems to be a case of history repeating itself.
Ironically, President Lansana Conte seized control of the country in 1984, following the death of his predecessor the socialist dictator, Sekou Toure. Now that Conte has died, it seems an opportune time for another to seize control.
The country has had elections in 1993, 1998 and 2003, but many say they weren't free or fair. I know it may be wishful thinking, but wouldn't it be great if for the first time, Guineans could VOTE for the leader they want?