(2 of 2)
Snowplows in the Sun. Considering the chaotic state of Guinea's economy, the price is cheap. Unschooled in modern economics, Touré sought overnight industrialization, instead got overnight bankruptcy. Though he had $92 million in Soviet-bloc credits and the help of 1,200 Red advisers, they were totally unfamiliar with Africa and proved to be of little help. On Conakry's docks, Soviet snowplows still glint in the savage tropical sun, monumental reminders of Red ineptitude.
Touré has grandiose dreams of leading a Pan-African movement, an ego to match the dreams, and a deep streak of authoritarianism in his makeup—all standard equipment for the modern African leader. His picture is everywhere—on money, stamps, even women's dresses. He brooks no opposition, requires all but the bedridden to show up for "spontaneous" demonstrations, punishing those who do not with "voluntary labor." Even so, recent visitors describe him as a man who has abandoned his dogmatic Marxism for pragmatism. Western diplomats are hopeful that Touré had enough of a Communist dose, so that he—and perhaps all of Africa—will prove immune in the future. "Guinea received the most massive Communist support anywhere," said one Westerner, "and all Africa has now been vaccinated against Communism."