ECOWAS threatens sanctions against Guinea if they do not return the nation to constitutional order

Guinea’s power struggle that led to the alleged arrest and detention of President Alpha Conde has been brought to the attention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The West African body has issued a communiqué to that effect on Sunday, September 5, 2021, condemning the attempted coup.

ECOWAS explicitly reminded the masterminds of the act of the need to respect the integrity of the president of the Republic, Alpha Conde and demanded his release along with the other people he was arrested with.

ECOWAS also demands that the country should be returned to constitutional order or face sanctions and expressed its disapproval of unconstitutional change.

In the Communiqué signed by the ECOWAS Chair, the community expressed solidarity with the Guinean people and government.

The call by the sub-regional block was triggered by the unfortunate political occurrence that happened in Guinea on Sunday where soldiers appeared on national television claiming to have dissolved the government of President Alpha Conde.

However, the Guinean Defense Ministry has debunked the claims of an overthrow by the military, claiming the takeover was thwarted by the presidential guard.

Heavy gunfire was heard near the Presidential guard with military guards stationed over many places. Many locals after hearing the news poured out to the streets in jubilation claiming the country has regained its freedom. The excitement by the locals is due to the Alpha Conde’s desire to hold on to power after serving his legitimate two terms from 2010 to 2020.

He was re-elected in a general election that was widely criticized for several infractions on human rights following his decision to amend the country’s constitution to allow him to contest for a third term in office amidst protest from opposition parties.

By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh

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