Report calls on Guinea to begin transition

BRUSSELS, March 5 (UPI) -- The military-led government in Guinea has been consolidating power, possibly threatening stability in the country, an International Crisis Group report said.

The Belgium-based non-governmental organization released the report Thursday, raising concerns about the junta that took over Guinea on Dec. 23 following the death of authoritarian President Lansana Conte, the Crisis Group reported.

The junta, which took power as the "least-worst option" and to avoid open conflict in the country, has been filling top government posts with military supporters since Conte's death despite promises by junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara to support a return to civilian rule.

The Crisis Group report, "Guinea: The Transition Has Only Just Begun," calls on leaders in Guinea to begin discussions on a transition to civilian leadership and to avoid the increasing possibility of a future rivalry over the country's rich resources.

"The transition can succeed," Francois Grignon, Crisis Group Africa program director, said in a statement.

"But the junta will need to show good faith, hard work and political sensitivity to prevent it and the army splintering, including on ethnic lines, and to avoid an impatient public again taking to the streets."