Military Takes Control of Guinea in a Coup

Conakry, Guinea —(Map)

On Sunday, soldiers in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, marched on the president’s palace, arrested the president, and took control of the country. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who led the coup, later said that the country would soon have a new government.

The coup has been condemned by the governments of other countries and international groups. But inside Guinea, many people who have grown tired of President Alpha Condé’s leadership support the coup. The coup is the third one to take place in western Africa in the last several months, following coups in Chad and Mali.

Guinea has had a history of coups. But Mr. Condé was the country’s first fairly elected leader, coming to power in 2010. In his early years, he was a popular president. Under Mr. Condé, the country made more money from the mining of a mineral called bauxite, which is used to make aluminum.

But over time, Mr. Condé became a harsher leader who dealt roughly with people who opposed him. The mining operations made life hard on many people in the country. And the money from the mining didn’t get shared fairly.

Mr. Condé was Guinea’s first fairly elected leader, coming to power in 2010. Over time, Mr. Condé became a harsh leader. He was elected president again in October, 2020, but many people felt the election wasn’t fair. Above, Mr. Condé, at the start of his third term.

Though the country’s constitution limited presidents to two terms, in March of 2020, Mr. Condé changed the constitution so that he could run for a third term. Many people felt this move was illegal. Though he was elected president again in October, 2020, the election was a violent one, and many people felt it wasn’t fair.

The soldiers who led Sunday’s coup were from a part of the military known as the “special forces”. It’s not clear whether the whole military is supporting the coup.

After the arrest of Mr. Condé, Colonel Doumbouya appeared on TV. “We are no longer going to entrust politics to one man,” he said, “We are going to entrust it to the people.” He said that the country’s government and constitution were no longer in force.

After the arrest of Mr. Condé, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya appeared on TV. He said that the country’s government and constitution were no longer in force. Above, Colonel Doumbouya waves to a crowd on Monday.

Though Colonel Doumbouya promised a new government soon, he did not give any dates. The military has said that it won’t punish members of Mr. Condé’s government. But it has closed the country’s borders and made it clear that those government leaders shouldn’t leave the country. There is a 24-hour curfew in place.

The military has tightened its control of the country by replacing the governors of the country’s eight regions with military leaders. Mr. Condé is reported to be safe, but it’s not clear where he’s being held.

International leaders have condemned the coup and are demanding the immediate release of Mr. Condé.

Inside the country, the coup has been welcomed by many people. Crowds went into the streets of Conakry on Sunday to celebrate as military vehicles drove through the city.

International leaders condemned the coup and demanded the immediate release of Mr. Condé. Inside the country, the coup has been welcomed by many people. Crowds celebrated in the streets of Conakry on Sunday as military vehicles drove through the city (above).

Cellou Dalein Diallo served as Guinea’s prime minister from 2004 to 2006, and was the main opposition to Mr. Condé in last year’s election. He says he’s not opposed to the coup, since he believes Mr. Condé was breaking the rules of the country. Still, he says he hopes the military won’t remain in power long, but will quickly organize free elections.