Chairman of United States House of Representatives Foreign
Affairs Sub-committee on Africa, Karen Bass, has condemned ongoing violence in
Guinea over plans by President Alpha Conde to seek a third term in office.
Conde has tried to amend sections of the country's
constitution to make way for his continued stay in power but the people are
resisting that move.
As a result, the government has unleashed security forces on
political opponents and all those against the move.
In a statement on Thursday, Bass said,"I am
disappointed that a constitutional referendum passed that could allow President
Alpha Conde to run for a third presidential term.
"I also condemn the violence against the political
opposition, protestors, and the citizens of Guinea by government forces.
"The people of Guinea have spoken by continuously
protesting and boycotting.
"Reportedly, citizens who opposed the government’s
constitutional reforms have been killed, kidnapped, and detained by the
country’s government.
"Young people are organized, engaged, and using their
own voices to display anger over a possible third term by President Conde.
"It is every person’s right in Guinea to protest
peacefully.
"The Government of Guinea should listen to the will of
the people and let its citizens express themselves freely.
"Once more, I urge President Alpha Conde to not seek a
third presidential term and allow the political process to play out during the
elections later in the year."
Conde is desperate to keep his hold on power despite already
serving two terms of five years each that elapses at the end of this year.
The situation has led to widespread violence in the West
African country with over 31 civilians and some policeman killed already.
A referendum should have held on March 1 but was moved to
March 22, which has eventually been put on hold as a result of of the outbreak
of Coronavirus.
The West African country has been in turmoil since that
period.
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