The opposition coalition in Guinea has
denounced a mining and oil deal signed between the military junta and China.
<!-- IMAGE -->
The military junta hailed the deal, describing it as strategic that would help
develop the mining sector.
But the opposition rejected the deal estimated to be
over seven billion dollars as illegal, immoral, and an affront to democracy.
Some
political analysts are skeptical after the Chinese embassy in Guinea denied
having any knowledge of the oil and mineral pact.
But the opposition says it
will continue fighting to prevent the junta from selling the country's
"birthright."
Bashir Bah, one of the leading members of Guinea's opposition
coalition said that the junta should be forced out of
power.
"First
of all, it is immoral, and second of all, it is illegal for many reasons, the
least of them being the massacre that occurred two weeks ago. And the other one
is that this junta has not been recognized by any country," Bah pointed out.
He
said the junta is acting contrary to the wishes of Guineans.
<!-- IMAGE -->
"It
is an illegitimate and illegal government (and) all the deals they are making
will be subject to revision," he said.
Bah
said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is displeased with
the junta's power grab.
"The
deal in Abuja states clearly that the junta should leave power so there is no
wiggle room for them at all," Bah said.
He
also expressed dissatisfaction with the Chinese government over the deal.
"It
is amazing that the Chinese government… that has set foot into Africa to be
dealing with rogue regimes like those ones. They are setting precedents, and
they are working against their own interest," he said.
Bah
denied the oil and mining deal would be good for the country.
"It
won't benefit Guinea. First of all, it is really a virtual deal… It has no
bearing on the people. It has no meaning… The shoddy deal should be dealt with
in the open from now on," Bah said.
<!-- IMAGE -->
He
said there are indications that senior Chinese officials are unaware of the
deal.
"Four
people are arguing that even China's top level may not be aware of those deals
because I have seen a lot of deals in Guinea, billions of dollars that never
materialize, and some people are taking some advantage just to get some
commissions out of those shoddy deals," he said.
Bah
urged the international community to put more pressure on the junta, including
targeted sanctions.
<!-- IMAGE -->