For years during Lansana Conté's predatory tenure as Guinea's president, the Guinean population and the international observers familiar with the country's politics wondered how the country would ever emerge from the pit dug by Conté's regime. So many factors had to be addressed for Guinea to embark on a path to reform, that a way out of its dire situation seemed impossible. Among the issues to rectify were an over inflated executive power, rampant corruption, impunity and drug trafficking. Very few openly suggested a military takeover to implement reform, though many, including the international community, knew that the pitiful state of the country called for an iron hand able to turn things around and apply core reforms to challenge interests at the highest levels. The country’s political elite, it has become clear, was and remains ill-equipped to implement needed reforms.
When on December 23, 2008, a few hours following the announcement of Lansana Conté's death, a military junta took over the government without bloodshed or violence, most political party and civil society opinion leaders were open to the changes that could emerge from this development. The majority of the population was optimistic that the new governing body could put Guinea back on track to democracy; those who remained skeptical saw it as the better of two evils.
The National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) led by Guinea's new self-proclaimed president, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, has been subject to much criticism and scrutiny by the skeptical international community and certain elite groups within Guinea. The Council is, after all, composed of a mixed group of individuals, many of whom have questionable backgrounds. It is feared the CNDD will want to stay in power longer than necessary and they will not honor their commitment to organize elections before the end of the year.
As it is true that it is likely that some individuals within the CNDD might prefer to stay in power as long as possible, it is important to continue pressuring the junta to return to democratic rule. However, it would be a mistake to restrict the transition period to simply organizing elections. We are witnessing for the first time in decades a real hope of restoring accountability in Guinea and laying the foundation for improved governance. These two factors are crucial for breaking free from the existing system and establishing a true democratically elected government.
Evidence that Captain Moussa Dadis Camarra might help establish a solid base for democracy lies in the fact that he has so far kept in line with the agenda he announced when he took power: to fight corruption. He is doing so indiscriminately of the ethnic or social background of his target groups. He promised to fight drug trafficking and is doing so even at the highest level. More recently, mechanisms have been put in place for an extensive audit of public institutions and government departments to weed out corruption. His actions and his populist approach have been winning him and his agenda the support of impoverished and repeatedly deceived Guineans.
Dadis Camarra stands as an interesting comparison to Lansana Conté. Conté was democratically elected and ruled under the constitution for years. Throughout his tenure, he fought against the rule of law, disregarded morality in public affairs, and encouraged corruption and drug trafficking bringing the state to the brink of collapse. Moussa Dadis Camara ascended to power through a military coup with a suspension of the constitution; however, he has worked to restore the authority and legitimacy of the state.
Yet even though the CNDD seems to be on the right track in improving governance, the one imperative element to maintain this course of action and develop an adequate road map for the transition period and beyond is the involvement and vigilance of its civil society. The CNDD admitted it has very little experience outside the military and reached out to civil society and political parties for advice.
IFES has been assisting the National Council of Civil Society Organizations in its effort to establish a platform which includes all major political parties, labor unions and the private sector to influence and monitor the transition. So far, the CNDD has been receptive to all suggestions though it is hesitant in setting up the necessary transition structures to allow the participation of a wider range of stakeholders in the decision making process. It is hoped that if monitored closely by this Forum des Forces Vives and with continued pressure on the part of the international community, the CNDD will be able to pursue its undertakings and lay the foundation for the construction of a democratic state.
By Elizabeth Cote, Chief of Party, Guinea