Nigeria, ECOWAS condemns Guinea coup d’etat

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Nigerian Government have strongly condemned the coup d’état that occurred in the Republic of Guinea Conakry, yesterday, describing the action as a clear violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

Demanding for the immediate return to constitutional order, Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, condemned the action stating the demand of ECOWAS for the immediate and unconditional release of President Alpha Condé and others arrested.

“ECOWAS notes with great concern the recent political developments which occurred in Conakry, Republic of Guinea. She condemns with the greatest firmness this coup attempt on Sunday, September 5, 2021,” Akufo-Addo said.

“ECOWAS demands respect for the physical integrity of the President of the Republic, the Professor Alpha Condé, and his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all the personalities, arrested.”

ECOWAS reaffirmed its disapproval of any unconstitutional political change in the region and asked the defense and security forces to remain in a posture Republican. expresses its solidarity with the Guinean people and Government.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, stated that “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.”

Heavy gunfire exchange was reported near the Conakry Presidential Palace in Conakry, Sunday evening,

Following the occurrence, soldiers who identified themselves as the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development, made a television appearance, claiming to have dissolved the Conde-led government, and seizing power.

Conde’s third term Presidency had earlier sparked violent and mass protest in the country after a disputed election in October 2020 and a new constitution in March 2020 with which he got around the country’s two-term limit.