Continued support crucial as Guinea prepares for democratic polls – UN official

Guinea requires continued support from the United Nations and its partners now that the West African country is preparing to transition from military rule to a civilian Government once elections scheduled for 27 June are held, a senior UN official in the country said today.

“I think the country deserves support from the UN and its partners in terms of supporting it through the elections [and] the post-election [period] in responding to the transition, recovery and development needs,” said Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah, newly appointed UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Guinea, when he briefed reporters in New York.

He said donors had already provided most of the $27 million required to fund the electoral process, but stressed that continued support will be required after polls to ensure that transitional period is successful.

Mr. Ohemeng-Boamah expressed concern that the operations of the UN Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS), which helps deliver humanitarian aid to people living in some of Guinea’s remotest areas, would cease as early as the start of next week if no further funding is made available for the service. More than $3 million is required for UNHAS operations in Guinea to continue beyond the end of this month.

Guinea was gripped by unrest after Government forces opened fire on unarmed protesters last September in the capital, Conakry, killing at least 150 people. The UN has hailed recent moves taken by the interim President, General Sekouba Konaté, including the formation of a national unity Government led by a civilian Prime Minister, Jean-Marie Doré, named by the opposition, and the intention to hold elections.