The announcement of a possible power-sharing agreement between Guinea's ruling junta and its opposition has provided a "window of opportunity" for the beleaguered country to return to
democratic rule, said the head of the United Nations Office for West Africa.
"This development is indeed very encouraging," Said Djinnit told reporters after briefing the Security Council. "This is a window of opportunity that should be seized by national stockholders but also by international stakeholders to ensure that this time around they can help the country exit form the crisis and return to constitutional order."
Last week, the interim head of state General Sekouba Konate invited the opposition to choose a prime minister ahead of the formation of a transition government. The next step is to figure out the details of some key issues related to the transition, including the duration, its political organs and objectives, said Djinnit.
"From all what I understand so far..they have yet to meet and agree," he said. "I believe that all are keen in going through the shortest
transition possible that would allow for preparing for the election as soon as possible but also giving some time for socioeconomic support."
Meanwhile, the international community, including regional organizations and the United Nations, should focus on supporting the
government reform security services and establish a republican army.
Last September in Guinea, which witnessed a military coup in December 2008, armed forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators at an opposition rally in the capital Conakry, killing at least 150 civilians. Aside from the deaths, countless other protesters were raped or attacked by members of the country's armed forces.
The incident "widened the rift between the ruling military authorities on the one hand and opposition parties and civil society on the other, and led to a significant heightening of tension across the country," according to a report last week by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
But Konate's recent pledge to protect opposition leaders who fled has been welcomed by Ban and ignited hope that the West African country will be able to establish a democratic government.
However, while the top opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo called Konate's announcement a good start, it failed to take account of "the major demands of the opposition," according to local media reports.
Developments in Guinea have far-reaching implications for the region, as a majority of its neighbors are either coming out of a crisis or still embroiled in heightened tensions.
"The only country (in the region) which is so far not faced with an open conflict is Guinea, so everything should be done to avoid conflict from erupting in that country," said Djinnit.