ECOWAS Suspends Guinea After Coup, Sends Mediators
Condemnation and Calls for Restoration of Civilian Rule
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea following the military coup d'état that ousted President Alpha Condé on September 5, 2021.
In a statement issued on September 8, 2021, ECOWAS condemned the coup and demanded the "immediate and unconditional release" of President Condé.
Sanctions and Diplomatic Pressure
ECOWAS has also imposed sanctions on Guinea, including a ban on financial transactions with its member institutions and a travel ban on members of the junta.
The regional bloc has also sent mediators to Guinea to help facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Regional and International Response
The international community has also condemned the coup and called for the restoration of civilian rule in Guinea.
The United Nations Security Council has called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of President Condé and urged all parties to "engage in a peaceful dialogue."
Background to the Coup
Guinea has been in political turmoil since President Condé was re-elected to a third term in October 2020.
The opposition and civil society groups alleged that the election was fraudulent and led protests against Condé's rule.
The Military Coup
On September 5, 2021, a group of soldiers led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya seized power in a military coup.
The coup plotters announced that they had dissolved the government and suspended the constitution.
Current Situation
The military junta has promised to hold elections within two years.
However, ECOWAS has rejected this timeline and is demanding the immediate handover of power to civilian authorities.
Conclusion
The coup in Guinea is a major setback for democracy in West Africa.
ECOWAS and the international community are working to pressure the junta to restore civilian rule and ensure a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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