African Union calls for immediate release of Guinea President

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The African Union (A.U.) has called for the immediate release of Guinea President, Alpha Conde and also condemned the military action against the government by special forces.

According to the press release by the body, “The current President of the African Union H.E. Félix Tshisekedi and the Chairman of the African Union Commission H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat condemn any seizure of power by force and call for the immediate release of President Alpha Conde.”

“They invite the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to meet urgently to examine the new situation in Guinea and to take appropriate measures in the circumstances,” the release added.

President 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.

Col. Doumbouya disclosed that 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.