Breaking: Military takes over power in Guinea, arrests President Alpha Conde

Breaking: Military takes over power in Guinea, arrests President Alpha Conde

Col. Mamady Doumboya, the Commander of Guinea’s Special Forces announced the coup in Guinea Conakry early Sunday morning.

He made the statement on national TV announcing the coup that led to the arrest of Alpha Conde.

In the early morning of Sunday, September 05, 2021, heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential palace.

In a video announcement, the soldiers confirmed that Alpha was not harmed during the coup. According to Guinea news, many other members of Alpha’s administration have been arrested as well.

Residents said they heard about two hours of heavy gunfire across the capital Conakry.

Colonel Mamady Doumbouya of the Guinea military said in a video recorded in the capital Conakry that the National Assembly has been dissolved.

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A video has also circulated on social media showing President Alpha Conde being held by soldiers. He was subsequently shoved into a vehicle and driven away.

Mr Doumbouya said all land and air routes have been shut in the interim, asking citizens to remain at home and await further instruction on the direction of the government.

Doumbouya also lamented widespread corruption and poverty as key reasons for the takeover, saying Mr Conde had failed to deliver on his promises to Guinea people.

Mr Conde, 83, won a third term of office last October. Continental body AU has yet to release a statement about the development.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Government has condemned the coup d’etat in Guinea

A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Mrs. Esther Sunsuwa read: 

“The Nigerian Government is saddened by the apparent coup d’état that has taken place in the Republic of Guinea today, in clear violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“The Government of Nigeria strongly condemns and rejects any unconstitutional change of government and therefore calls on those behind this coup to restore constitutional order without delay and protect all lives and property.”

Breaking: Military takes over power in Guinea, arrests President Alpha Conde