September 6^th 2021

After heavy gunfire soldiers claim to have overthrown the 83-year-old President of Guinea, Alpha Condé, dissolving the government and constitution. Almost a year ago Condé won a controversial third term. Accusations of corruption, mismanagement and harassment of the opposition have eroded Condé’s popularity. He was shown accompanied by soldiers who had overthrown him. His whereabouts are unclear.

Despite mineral resources, poverty and corruption and clampdowns on opposition have taken a toll on a country used to strong-arm government from independence to the present day. The coup plotters claim to have shut its borders and dissolved government institutions, but the defence ministry claims to have repelled the takeover despite the capture of Condé.

Since achieving independence in 1958 Guinea has had at least six leaders (possibly seven, depending on the outcome of today’s attempted coup d’état). Ahmed Sékou Touré ruled Guinea from independence in 1958 until his death in 1984. He was succeeded by Louis Lansana Beavogui. Before his succession could be confirmed by a referendum he was overthrown in a military coup by Lansana Conté and Diarra Traoré. The latter was demoted, attempted a coup in 1985 and was executed along with supporters of his failed coup by Conté. Beavogui died of diabetes in 1984. Conté governed through military dictatorship, fixed elections, naïve opposition, brutality and corruption until his death in 2008. Conté’s rule left Guinea mired in corruption and poverty. Shortly after announcing Conté’s death Aboubacar Somparé, the Acting President, was overthrown in a military coup by Moussa Dadis Camara. An atrocity in September2009 was followed by an assassination attempt which marginalised Camara and led to exile. Following the assassination attempt General Séktouba Konaté took over as Acting President until elections were held in 2010.

Condé won that election and was re-elected in 2015. He forced changes to the Constitution to allow him to stand for a third term last year. The results of that election were disputed, leading to demonstrations being put down. Repression and poverty and the controversial third term eroded his popularity, paving the way for yesterday’s coup. The octogenarian was displayed barefoot, sitting on a couch wearing jeans and refusing to confirm that he had not been harmed.

Despite foreign condemnation of the coup, within Guinea there is little surprise due to the policies pursued by Condé. The coup was even greeted with celebration on the streets of Conakry. Condé’s government dispute coup leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya’s claims that the coup plotters have taken control, but Condé appears to be in their hands.

A World Cup Qualification match between Guinea and Morocco scheduled for Monday September 6^th has been postponed. Both teams stayed in their hotels and did not train yesterday and the Moroccan team has left Guinea. The match has yet to be rescheduled.