Regional analysts see glimmer of hope

Regional analysts told IRIN on Thursday that, if respected, the accord would spur optimism for stability in the subregion and perhaps reopen the way for economic development for neighbouring nations. "The accord is extremely important for Guinea," one Guinean analyst said. "If it holds, it will help reinforce stability along the 650-kilometre border with Sierra Leone." Rebels from Sierra Leone, thought to be from RUF splinter groups, have for months been attacking the Guinea border prefecture of Forecariah, pillaging and killing villagers. But these problems might end soon, since Burkina Faso and Liberia, long accused of supporting the RUF, are now signatories to the new agreement, the Guinean analyst said. "There is real hope that this accord will be respected," he added. Still, earlier treaties signed in Abidjan and Lome and immediately greeted with euphoria, were just as quickly violated, and another analyst told IRIN: "Despite the accord, Guinea will maintain vigilance on the border".