Civil society groups and 2 trade unions issued statements 3 July criticising PM Lansana Kouyaté for lack of progress on key issues, including corruption and electoral process. Union leaders pledged continued support for Kouyaté 10 July after he promised to respect previous agreements.

National Assembly approved commission to investigate January-February 2007 violence. PUP appointed businessman Mamadou Sylla, whose release from prison by presidential intervention triggered the violence, honorary president of party alongside President Lansana Conté.

Agreement reached between government and political parties to postpone legislative elections until year-end. Investigation into January/February army attacks on civilians cited 137 deaths – more than previously reported. Parliament voted to set up year-long commission to further investigate killings. Soldiers protested non-payment of salary corrupt high- ranking officials in several towns leaving 10 dead 2-15 May. President Lansana Conté dismissed defence minister, army chief of staff and 6 top officers in response. Army chief replaced by retired officer perceived as close associate of former army high-ranking officials. Violence subsided following meeting between Conté and soldiers 15 May. New Defence Minister General Mamadou Bailo Diallo pledged not to prosecute soldiers; talks started to determine pay settlement.

PM Lansana Kouyaté led ministerial delegation to France and Belgium 14-22 April. EU called for investigation into violence committed during January-February civil unrest. Head of National Assembly El Hadj Aboubacar Somparé called for investigation 5 April into excessive use of force by military in January-February. Hundreds of traders attacked and set fire to police station in Kindia in reaction to alleged police brutality 23 April.

Newly appointed PM Lansana Kouyaté announced new “broad consensus” government 28 March. Kouyaté submitted 2 bills to President Conté 7 March to reduce number of ministerial posts from 27 to 19 and define future portfolios. New government composed mostly of technocrats not associated with Conté’s regime, including representatives of trade unions, diplomats, lawyers and economists. But deputy chief of staff of army, known to be close to Conté, named Minister of Defence. Kouyaté’s authority is limited to civilian administration as President Conté retains control of army. UNSG Ban Ki-moon welcomed Kouyaté’s appointment and called for international support for Guinea.

Country descended into violence as security forces clashed with thousands of demonstrators calling for President Conté’s departure. Some 59 killed since strike began 10 January in response to calls by trade union leaders to protest Conté’s December move to free 2 allies from jail and continuing problems of high inflation and bad governance; strike suspended 27 January after agreement with Conté on appointment of new independent PM and other social measures.

Representatives of pro-Conté parties, opposition and administration reached consensus on conditions for organising legislative elections in June 2007. 4 draft laws on legal status of opposition political parties, creation and role of independent electoral commission, public funding of political parties, and changes to electoral code to be presented for adoption by parliament. EU resumed development aid after 3-year pause in response to political and economic reforms.

Political battle between rival clans over succession of ailing President Conté continued. Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Fodé Bangoura further consolidated his power in 14 October limited government reshuffle.

Liberia offered to mediate in ongoing dispute with Sierra Leone over Yenga border province.

Country crippled after leading unions called “indefinite” general strike 8 June; crisis ended 9 days later when government agreed to pay raise for workers. Strike led to clashes 12 June between students and security forces, killing 11 in 3 cities and prompting military patrols in capital.