GUINEA: Coup leader Doumbouya promises union govt

By: Ollus Ndomu

Leader of the Sunday coup which dislodged Guinea’s President Alpha Condé from power, has promised to form a new “union” government in few weeks to come.

Speaking in a televised meeting with ministers who served in Condé’s government, Col Mamady Doumbouya assured the nation that there would be no witch-hunt against former government officials.

Meanwhile, President Condé is still in detention despite regional calls for his unconditional release.

In separate statements, the UN, AU, the regional body Ecowas and the U.S have condemned the coup with constant calls for a return to civilian rule.

In a tweet, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said:
“I strongly condemn any takeover of the government by force of the gun and call for the immediate release of President Alpha Condé.”

Coup leader Doumbouya, who is also head of the army’s special forces unit, has not specified when the junta plans to handover power to civilians despite making hints.

“A consultation will be launched to set down the broad parameters of the transition, and then a government of national union will be established to steer the transition.”

The junta has since reopened land and air boarders.