January 14, 2008
After negotiations between Guinea’s government officials and union and religious leaders, an agreement was made to suspend an impending strike by unions until March 31. Conditions were included in the agreement to ensure the suspension, including immediate modification of the December presidential decree that restructured government function and nullified previous agreements. The structure is to include representation from all levels of government, the unions, and civic society.
Leaders of the traditional religion as well as the Alliance national church did not sign the agreement, indicating that they are not political forces in the country. “We are theologians, not politicians,” said a national church pastor.
Pray for this pastor as well as for the other religious leaders as they continue their role in bringing reconciliation and peace. Pray that they will have the boldness and courage to say what needs to be heard and that government and union leaders will receive their counsel with favor.