ECOWAS Demands Alpha Conde’s Release

President Nana Akufo-Addo

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate release of Guinea President, Alpha Condé.

It follows an uprising in that country Sunday by some members of the elite branch of its army, the Special Forces which saw the arrest of the Guinean leader.

The mutinous soldiers led by one Colonel Mamady Doumbouya also proceeded to declare dissolution of parliament and a suspension of the country’s constitution and asked all Ministers and key office holders of the toppled Condé administration to report at the State House Monday morning.
In a statement, however, Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo who is also the Chairman of sub-regional group ECOWAS noted with great concern the political developments which have occurred in Conakry, capital of Guinea.

It condemned unreservedly the action of the soldiers and demanded respect for the physical safety of the President, Alpha Condé, and his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all arrested persons.

“ECOWAS also demands a return to constitutional order on pain of sanctions”, the statement said whilst reaffirming its objection to any unconstitutional political change.

“We ask the Guinean defence and security forces to remain in a constitutional posture, and express our solidarity with the Guinean people and their Government”, it insisted.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu