Guinea Second Republic Day

Guinea Second Republic Day

April 3

Guinea Second Republic Day commemorates an event from recent history. Guinea was ruled by a dictatorship led by Sekou TourÉ, who ruled the small West African nation for over 25 years (1958-1984). After Toure's death, there was a bloodless coup on April 3, 1984. That coup ushered in what many Guineans refer to as the Second Republic, led by former lieutenant Lansana ContÉ. A military government assumed control of the county until 1993, the year ContÉ was elected president. His popularity has dwindled over the years, as has enthusiasm for the annual celebration of the historic transfer of power.
The observation of Second Republic Day is largely orchestrated by the government. In honor of the coup's 24th anniversary in 2008, ContÉ and Guinean prime minister Lansana Kouyate were guests of honor at a wreath-laying ceremony at a martyrs' memorial located in the center of Conakry, the capital city. They also used the occasion to announce the launching of the web site of the Guinea Radio and Television (RTG), a state-run enterprise considered by many to be the government's mouthpiece.

CONTACTS:
Guinea Embassy
2112 Leroy Pl. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-483-9420; fax: 202-483-8688
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Celebration day: Apr 3