Marco Vernaschi Reports From the Heart of a Narco-State

In a recent article for El Pais, journalist Marco Vernaschi reports about the cocaine trade in the West African country of Guinea-Bissau. You can find a complete download of his reportage here. Stay tuned for my own text on the upcoming second round of voting for the office of the President. I asked two eminent experts of the country for their opinion if the elections will make any difference for the destitute and politically marginalised majority of Guineans. The article will appear on this blog in course of next week.

It’s Showtime in Conakry

After the takeover of a military junta in December 2008 following the death of President Lansana Conté, a lot of things are supposed to change in Guinea. The ruling CNDD under its leader Moussa Dadis Camara moves against the drug traffic, corruption and the misuse of power. At the moment, he enjoys exceptionally huge public support by Guineans after five decades of autocracy under Conté and Sékou Touré. German article here (as pdf).