The Nigerian government and the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have condemned the Coup attempt in the Republic of Guinea on Sunday.
The regional body in a statement signed by the Chair of the Authority and President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo, demands the immediate and unconditional release of the President of the Republic of Guinea
Moyo Thomas reports that around mid day on Sunday, the Commander of the Special forces of Guinea, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya launched an attack against the government, shootings close to the Presidential Palace in Conakry, the capital of the Republic of Guinea
The soldiers, appeared on National TV claiming to have dissolved the government
The attempted takeover, the defence Ministry of the country says was thwarted and contained by the Presidential guards and those loyal to President Alpha Conde
Casualties have also been recorded in the sporadic shooting
The Military Junta under the name, National Committee for reconciliation and development says they acted because of the corruption and high rate of poverty in the country
They believe the constitutional amendment by the 83 year old President Alpha Conde, which allowed him run for a third term in office last year, was contestable and not inclusive
The junta promised to dissolve the constitution and start consultations to create a new and more inclusive one
The whereabout of President Conde is still unknown
Alpha Conde was first elected in 2010 in the country’s first democratic change of power since its independence from France in 1958
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has reaffirmed its disapproval of the unconstitutional change of government and wants the country to return to democracy
A statement from Nigeria’s Ministry of foreign Affairs, signed by its spokesperson also asked those behind the Coup attempt to restore constitutional order without delay and protect lives and property
The UN secretary General and the African Union have also condemned the attack
FIFA has also immediately announced a postponement of the world Cup qualifying match between Guinea and Morocco, slated for the 6th of September in Guinea, as the team and officials were evacuated despite the closure of the Guinean borders
