Guinea Oil Blast Victims Protest Against Broken Promises

Victims of last December's oil terminal explosion in Guinea's capital, Conakry, that left 20 dead, have protested against what they call the failed promises of the military government to help rebuild their houses.

In addition to those who were killed at least 240 others were injured in the inferno.

Buildings were damaged, windows were blown out and residents were forced to flee their homes.

Hundreds of those affected held an impromptu demonstration on Thursday, which was led by women, and paralysed activity in Kaloum, the administrative and business centre of Conakry.

They carried placards with messages such as "we don't want false promises”, “stop the killings", "Guinea is suffering. Kaloum is suffering” and “We are tired! Our children are in danger!”.

Demonstrators blocked the highways in the morning, preventing workers from getting to their offices.

They also condemned the government's cut in food aid, the high prices of food items, as well as internet and media restrictions.

After hours of protest, the police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.BBC