ECOWAS condemns military takeover in Guinea
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned Sunday’s attempted coup in Guinea.
The incident has resulted in the arrest and detention of the President Alpha Condé as well as the dissolution of his government.
A statement issued by the Chairman of ECOWAS and Ghanaian leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Alpha Condé.
“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, 5 September 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,” the ECOWAS statement said.
It added: “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.”
Crucial meeting with ministers
Meanwhile, the soldiers who seized power in Guinea on Sunday have ordered government ministers and national figures to attend a meeting later on Monday.
The special forces officers warned that anybody who failed to appear would be regarded as a rebel.
In a broadcast on state TV, they said regional governors have been replaced by military commanders, and the ousted president, Alpha Condé, was safe but in detention.
An indefinite nationwide curfew is in force.
The coup has been condemned by the United Nations and African Union.
The head of Special Forces, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, said his soldiers had seized power because they want to end rampant corruption and mismanagement.
