Conde on television for the first time

Guinea’s detained leading opposition politician, Alpha Conde, has appeared briefly on television in what Guinean commentators said today was a measure aimed at dispelling speculation about his health. Local reporters told IRIN that Conde appeared on television last Wednesday. He was smiling and was giving the V for victory sign. But the editor in chief of the ‘L’Independent’, a Conakry newspaper, said that the footage lasted a “fraction of a second” making it difficult to determine Conde’s physical condition. Conde, one of the main challengers to President Lansana Conte in the 16 December presidential polls, was arrested the following day and accused of trying to cross into Cote d’Ivoire when the borders had been closed for the duration of the election. His arrest sparked protests and demands for his release.