Continuing instability: President Conté’s worsening health raised fears of power vacuum. Security situation on Côte d’Ivoire border deteriorated with bandit attack on Kokota village 6 April and detention of 17 Ivorian combatants from dissident rebel group of IB Coulibaly. Sierra Leone’s war crimes prosecutor David Crane claimed former Liberian dictator Charles Taylor behind January 2005 attempt to assassinate Conté. In positive moves, PM Diallo began economic and political reforms; EU lifted Article 96 aid freeze.

Three key ministers, including widely disliked security minister Moussa Sampil, removed, in potential signal of easing of restrictions on opposition and repression by security forces. Opposition and government met in national dialogue forum 18 March.

Since 19 January attack on President Conté’s convoy PM Diallo’s reform proposals shelved, with army mounting roadblocks across country. Following article comparing Guinea to Togo, Benn Pépito, editor of La Lance newspaper, arrested and held for 3 days.

At least 100 arrested following apparent attempt to assassinate President Conté 19 January in Conakry; police said grenades and guns found near scene. Conté hinted at outside involvement in subsequent speech; some opposition figures suggested coup attempt excuse for crackdown. Sierra Leone put borders on alert to prevent those implicated fleeing Guinea. Newly-appointed PM’s attempts to relaunch dialogue with opposition stymied by arrest of Antoine Soromou, official of opposition Rassemblement du Peuple de Guinée, on identity card irregularities.

President Lansana Conté named loyalist minister Diallo as PM, after 8 months without filling position. Students protesting living conditions clashed with riot police Conakry 13 December; university remains closed. Police shot 1 rioter dead 29 December in Fria, north of Conakry.

Situation continued to slip. Police killed 1 when they opened fire on demonstrators Pita, 350km northeast Conakry. Protesters were demonstrating against electricity prices and estimated 70% unemployment. Further uprisings took place Dabola. Guinean foreign minister denied reports Guinea supported Ivorian president Gbagbo, as country moved to seal border following unrest in Côte d’Ivoire.

Twelve detainees arrested December 2003 on suspicion of planning coup against ailing President Conté released 6 October; fears for Conté’s succession remain. Talks between government and EU on development resumed.

Country chronically unstable, with rising risk of conflict. Prices for petrol and rice continued to rise, having doubled already this year. Growing number of militia groups in Conakry, and reports of recruitment of fighters, including from Liberia, for possible rebellion in Forest region around N’Zerekore and Macenta. Series of student and opposition marches in Conakry against ailing President Lansana Conté, in power since 1984, broken up by police with tear gas.

Dispute continued over status of Yenga, currently occupied by Guinean army but claimed by Sierra Leone. UN investigated reports of trafficking of Liberian arms and ex- combatants into Guinea, with ongoing fears over stability of Guinea/Liberia border zone.

Highly unstable situation as escalating rice prices continued to cause anger against government of ailing President Lansana Conté, particularly in capital Conakry. Fear of political void and regional implications should Conté die. Initially ethno-religious tensions around Nzérékoré in far south- east compounded by presence of mostly LURD ex- combatants. Tensions rising with Sierra Leone over Guinea- occupied town of Yenga; Sierra Leone locals claim harassment from Guinean army.