The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for the safety of arrested Guinean President, Alpha Condé.
ECOWAS has also called for a return to constitutional rule in Guinea.
Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, made the call in a statement on his official Facebook page.
According to the statement, “ECOWAS notes with great concern the recent political developments which have occurred in Conakry, capital of the Republic of Guinea. ECOWAS condemns unreservedly the attempted coup of Sunday, September 5, 2021.”
“ECOWAS demands respect for the physical safety of the President of the Republic, Professor Alpha Condé, and his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all arrested persons. ECOWAS also demands a return to constitutional order on pain of sanctions.”
“ECOWAS reaffirms its objection to any unconstitutional political change. We ask the Guinean defense and security forces to remain in a constitutional posture, and express our solidarity with the Guinean people and their Government.”
What happened?
There is a reported coup d’etat in Guinea, with the fate of incumbent President Alpha Condé being uncertain.
Mr Condé has been seen in the hands of some soldiers in an unverified video.
In a television address, the soldiers said they had captured power because of corruption, mismanagement and poverty.
Nine unnamed soldiers appeared on television for the address.
The soldiers referred to themselves as the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development.
According to them, the constitution of Guinea had been dissolved.
They announced that there would be consultations to create a new, more inclusive constitution.
The coup is said to have been led by an elite unit headed by a former French legionnaire, Lt Col Mamady Doumbouya.
The soldiers have claimed that they have carried out a coup.
However, Guinea’s Defence Minister is reported to have stated that the attempted coup had been thwarted.
Reports say Guinea’s capital, Conakry witnessed several hours of heavy gunfire near the presidential palace today, Sunday, September 5, 2021.
In 2020, Mr Condé was re-elected for a third term in office amid violent protests.
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