Rabat – The African Union condemns the military coup in Guinea that occured on Sunday, September 5, calling for the immediate release of President Alpha Conde.
A statement by AU chairman and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat called on the body’s Peace and Security Council to meet urgently to examine the situation and take appropriate measures.
“The current Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemn any seizure of power by force and call for the immediate release of President Alpha Conde,” said an AU statement.
Special forces soldiers were reported to have overthrown the long-serving President Conde on Sunday, declaring they had dissolved Guinea’s government and constitution, and further closing the country’s land and air borders.
The insurrection group refers to itself as the National Committee for Rally and Development (CNRD).
Earlier on Sunday, heavy gunfire erupted in Guinea’s capital Conakry, where the Presidential Palace and several ministerial departments are located.
A Special Forces group in the West African nation apprehended Conde and declared the “success of the coup d’etat,” further announcing on national television that the government and its constitution were overthrown.
In their statement, the junta did not indicate when President Alpha Conde would be released, stating only “when the time comes, we will issue a statement.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has joined the call for the “immediate and unconditional release” of Guinea’s President.
ECOWAS said that it was following “with great concern” the recent political developments in Conakry, and it condemned the coup d’etat.
