Huge mining deal signed with China in embattled Guinea

(GIN)—A massive mining and oil deal was signed this week with China, even as anger continues to grow over a military takeover of government, and the unprovoked shootings and rapes by government soldiers—captured on cell phone cameras—killing some 157 protestors at a public rally.

Guinean Mines Minister Mahmoud Thiam said a Chinese firm would invest more than $7 billion in infrastructure and it would help the nation’s poorest people.

In return, he said, the firm—said to be Hong Kong-registered China International Fund—would be a “strategic partner” in all mining projects in the mineral-rich nation.

Plus, the firm would help build ports, railway lines, power plants, low-cost housing and even a new administrative centre in the capital, Conakry.

Meanwhile, the ruling junta under Gen. Moussa Dadis Camara, has been showing signs of strain. Recently, Agricultural Minister Abdourahmane Sano resigned, saying he could no longer show solidarity with the government.

Also this week, the head of presidential security, Captain Claude Pivi, attempted to arrest the chief of the Presidential Guard, Lieutenant Aboubacar Toumba Diakite, over the stadium incident, but the arrest was aborted.

This is part of the October 21, 2009 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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