Guinea coup ‘clear violation of ECOWAS protocol on democracy,’ says Nigerian govt

Nigerian Government has condemned the coup d’état in Guinea, as it insisted that it is a ‘clear violation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.’

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and signed by its spokesperson, Mrs. Esther Sunsuwa, conveyed the country’s position, Sunday.

According to Sunsuwa, the government ‘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.’

It would be recalled that soldiers who staged an uprising in Guinea’s capital on Sunday said on state television that they had dissolved the West African nation’s government and constitution and closed all land and air borders.

Meanwhile, the fate of Guinea’s President Alpha Condé remains uncertain following a military coup  in the West African nation, Sunday afternoon, as soldiers claimed they had seized power.

The coup by soldiers of the country’s Armed Forces is believed to be led by one Colonel Mamadi Dumbouya, who had previously served in the French Foreign Legion.

Colonel Dumbouya, who together with his supporters staged a coup in Guinea and seized power, also decided to dissolve the government, abolish the current constitution and close the country’s air and land borders.

Dumbouya recorded a video message in which he announced his plans after the seizure of power in Guinea.

President Condé was re-elected for a controversial third term in office amid violent protests last year.

Reacting to the development, Sunday, United Nations (UN) condemned the development.

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres condemned Sunday’s apparent coup in Guinea and urged the rebels to release the country’s detained president, Alpha Conde.

“I am personally following the situation in Guinea very closely. I strongly condemn any takeover of the government by force of the gun and call for the immediate release of President Alpha Condé,” Guterres tweeted, Sunday.

On its part, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the coup d’état that took place in the Republic of Guinea Conakry on Sunday, September 5.

President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana in a statement in Abuja, demanded the immediate return to constitutional order.

Akufo-Addo, who is also the Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, said ECOWAS demands the immediate and unconditional release of President Alpha Condé, as well as 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.

“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 reaffirms its disapproval of any unconstitutional political change. She asks the defense and security forces to remain in a posture Republican; and expresses its solidarity with the Guinean people and Government,” Akufo-Addo stated.