Guinean president arrested, borders closed
A military coup has taken place in Guinea with heavy gunfire in the capital Conakry. The country's president, Alpha Conde, is said to have been arrested by the military.
Unrest broke out in the capital Conakry on the morning of September 5. Local media reported that heavy gunfire broke out in the Kaloum neighborhood of Conakry, near the presidential palace and other government buildings. Several videos shared on social media showed military vehicles and armed soldiers gathering in the area.
"I saw groups of soldiers advancing towards the presidential palace. There was a lot of gunfire," said a resident of Kaloum. Three other witnesses said they saw at least two civilians hit by gunfire.
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| Members of the Guinean Armed Forces drive through the Kaloum residential area in Guinea's capital Conakry on September 5, 2021. Photo: AFP |
The uprising was reportedly led by Lieutenant Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, a special forces commander in the Guinean army. While pro-government sources said the president was safe, local media shared images and videos showing Mr Conde being taken by armed soldiers to an unknown location.
As Mr Conde was being detained, Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of the uprising, released a short video accusing the Guinean president of “trampling” on the rights of his people and throwing the country’s economy into “chaos”. Mr Doumbouya announced that he would dissolve the government, close Guinea’s land and air borders, and declare Guinea’s constitution null and void.
The most recent election, held in October 2020, was controversial when President Conde changed the Constitution before the votes took place, allowing him to run for a third term.
Shortly after the announcement, Guinea's Defense Ministry said the offensive against the rebels had been successful and that the military would remain loyal to the government and work to restore order in the capital. The ministry did not provide details on the current president's whereabouts, sparking debate over who is actually in power in the country.
The US State Department has condemned the coup in Guinea, saying it would destroy the country's "path to a bright future".
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned "any overthrow of the government by force" and called for "the immediate release of President Alpha Conde". The African Union also called for Mr. Conde's release while the Economic Community of West African States threatened sanctions unless Guinea's constitutional order was restored./.
