Formerly part of the Mali empire which flourished between the seventh and fifteenth centuries. Previously profiled August 1984. The strain of refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia is taking its toll. Major improvement over Sekou Tour s regime but government opponents are still detained and harassed. The death penalty is in force.
Journalists are under constant pressure and radio and TV are government-owned.
Women are marginalized throughout society. His pretence at multiparty democracy is enough for the West but not for most Guineans, especially the poor who have borne the brunt of structural adjustment.