Atwoli seeks the immediate release of Guinea President Alpha Conde
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Secretary General Dr. Francis Atwoli has sought for the immediate release of Guinea President Alpha Conde.
In a statement, Atwoli has also sought the immediate intervention of the African Union in ensuring the restoration of civilian rule in Guinea-Conakry.
Atwoli, who is the president of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), urged the African Union to consolidate the support of other African states and restore democracy in Guinea-Conakry.
“I am, therefore, appealing to the leadership of the African Union to move with speed and consolidate the support of other African States, including the support of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and other Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to intervene and restore democracy in Guinea-Conakry,” read part of the statement.
“They must, in the process, make sure that President Conde is released to continue enjoying his freedom as dictated by democracy.”
He added that the issues of coup d’etat in Africa are primitive, uncouth, and crude methods used in yesteryears to gain power.
“As a continent, we are alive to the challenges that Guinea-Conakry is facing and we appreciate the fact that they can be addressed by a constitutional way and not through coups.”
Conde was detained by the special forces earlier on Sunday, with Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who has reportedly been identified as the head of the action, announcing the dissolution of the government, suspension of the constitution and the closure of the country’s borders.
Doumbouya said the army had been forced to act because of poverty, endemic corruption, abuse of power and a lack of respect for democratic principles.
The announcement followed heavy gunfire near the presidential palace in the capital Conakry.
The AU also called for his immediate release and also condemned the military action against the government by special forces.
The leaders of a military coup in Guinea promised yesterday to set up a transitional government of national unity after ousting Conde and dissolving his cabinet.
