afrol News, 13 August - A senior army official has asked Guinean citizens to forgive the country's armed forces for causing the death of 200 civilians during last year's January-February mutinies.

Admiral Zaoro Patrice Sylla, who held brief for the Guinean armed forces, was speaking at the launch of the Day of Dialogue in the capital Conakry on Tuesday.

The initiative, organized by the Economic and Social Council, was meant to foster dialogue between the army and the public. It is expected to bring peace, understanding and reconciliation in the resources-opulent but one of the poorest countries in the world, especially in the face of a biting economic and political crisis.

Admiral Sylla also apologised for the mutiny in Conakry and some provinces in May. Like previous mutinies, this one also disrupted public peace in the country.

This is the second time that a senior army official has publicly requested forgiveness from Guineans on killing of armless civilians by the army.

Guinea has been ruled by Col. Lansana Conteh since 1984. The aging bed-ridden leader has been accused of halting democratic and political reforms.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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