Guinea Military Junta leaders visit Ecowas Chairperson, President Akufo-Addo
A delegation from the Guinean Military Junta, the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development paid a courtesy call on President Akufo –Addo at the Jubilee House.
The second in command of the CNRD, Colonel Sadiba Koulibaly led the delegation to Ghana’s seat of government to keep President Akufo-Addo, who is the Chairperson of the Economic Community Of West African States(ECOWAS) Authority, abreast with the roadmap that has been put in place so far to ensure a smooth transition and return to democratic, constitutional rule in Guinea.
Colonel Sadiba Koulibaly in his remarks revealed to the President that they had done ten (10) days of consultations with key stakeholders in Guinea that led to the drafting and adoption of a new Transition Charter, which reflects the determination of the military leadership to return the country to civilian rule.
He explained that the Charter specifically stresses, the fact that members of the transition will be barred from standing for presidential and legislative elections, adding that a civilian Prime Minister would lead the Transition Government.
Col. Koulibaly also made it clear that the CNRD understands and accepts the decisions taken and sanctions placed on Guinea by the Authority. He, however, urged ECOWAS to consider the peculiar circumstances that led to the events of September 5, 2021.
The delegation however pleaded with the Authority to reconsider its decision on Guinea going to the polls with six months to elect a democratic leader, as Guinea does not have the capacity to do so within the time frame indicated.
He then revealed that the military leadership had taken the decision to conduct a country-wide census, restructure the electoral code, and establish a new electoral body in order to be able to conduct free and fair elections.
President Akufo-Addo on the other hand re-emphasized ECOWAS’ unreserved condemnation of the coup d’état, as it was in contravention with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance which demands that political power be attained through the ballot and not the bullet.
In view of the newly adopted Transition Charter, the ECOWAS Chairperson intimated that it was a step in the right direction, and was encouraged by the decision of the CNRD to update regularly the Authority of Heads of State of ECOWAS on the evolution of the transition process.
But President Akufo-Addo remained resolute about the time frame for the holding of elections, maintaining that six (6) months is sufficient for such an exercise.
He also assured leadership in Guinea of the commitment of ECOWAS to help overhaul the electoral process, by providing technical support to Guinea.
President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for the military leadership in Guinea to pay heed to the decisions of the Authority, as the full weight of the international community is firmly behind any decision taken by ECOWAS.
On the arrest of President Alpha Condé, the Chairperson of ECOWAS expressed worry about his continued detention, his physical safety, and his inability to express his fundamental human rights.
To this effect, President Akufo-Addo stressed the demand of ECOWAS for the immediate and unconditional release of President Alpha Condé.
But Col. Koulibaly reassured President Akufo-Addo that President Condé was in good health and is being properly taken care of, adding that President Condé still has access to his personal doctor and cook.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
