African Union and ECOWAS Condemn Military Coup in Guinea, They Demand for Immediate and Unconditional Release of 83-Years-Old Dictator Alpha Condè.

ECOWAS demands Alpha Condé’s “immediate and unconditional release” West Africa’s regional economic and political body, ECOWAS has condemned the coup which saw the overthrow of Guinea’s long-serving President, Alpha Condé. In a statement issued by the current Chairperson of the community, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the body is demanding Conde’s “immediate and unconditional release”.

“ECOWAS notes with great concern the recent political developments which have occurred in Conakry, capital of the Republic of Guinea. ECOWAS unreservedly condemns the attempted coup of Sunday, September 5, 2021.” The statement reads. 

 

The release dated Sunday, September 5, 2021 further stated that, “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.” 

Guineans woke up to the change in political order as a group of armed military men led by Lieutenant Colonel Mamady Doumbouya took the Presidential palace under siege. The army later released a statement on national Television, clarifying their reasons and way forward for the country. 

Justifying the seizure of power, Colonel Doumbouya said, “the socio-economic situation of the country, the dysfunction of republic institutions, the instrumentalization of justice, the trampling of the rights of citizens, the financial mismanagement[..] has led the republican army to resume its responsibility towards the sovereign of Guinea as a whole.”

“After having arrested the president, who is right now with us, we have decided to dissolve the current Constitution, dissolve the institution and the government, and the closure of land and air borders,” He added, whilst stating further that, an 18-month transition period will be set to put things in order.

However, leadership of the Economic Community of West African States has condemned a resort to “unconstitutional political change” and also asked the Guinean defense and security forces to remain in a constitutional posture.” What do you make of the statement from ECOWAS❓.

In another development the African Union through its Acting President, Felix Tshisekedi of Congo and Commissioner Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the military takeover in Guinea and demand immediate release of Alpha Conde.