Guinea Capital Becomes Occupied City

Conakry, Jun 14 (Prensa Latina) Military patrols and riot vehicles turned Conakry, capital of Guinea, into an occupied city Wednesday, in an attempt to prevent a worsening of the violence prevailing in recent days.

Military forces blocked streets while burning tires hindered breathing and instead of civilians, soldiers and military vehicles took over the main avenues.

A recent general strike turned into street protests that were repressed with gunfire, leaving at least 16 people dead and dozens of wounded, according to conservative estimates.

Statistics released by local press reveal 10 people dead in Conarkry, three in southeastern Nzerekoke, and another three in northern Labe.

President Lansana Conte has described the general strike, in its seven day, as an opposition maneuver that has infiltrated student groups to carry out this national protest.

The strike was called by the Guinea Workers Confederation and Guinean Workers Union in an attempt to protest the existing difficult situation.

Although Guinea has shown signs of advancement and stability, the current 30 percent inflation makes it difficult for people to obtain basic needs. The price of rice, staple in the Guinean diet, is now $25/sack; more than half the monthly minimum wage.

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