By Alpha Abu
A Mano River Union delegation is set to travel to Conakry, Guinea for talks with the Military Junta that toppled President Alpha Conde’s government on Sunday 5 September 2021. This was disclosed by Secretary-General Ambassador Medina A. Wesseh at a hurriedly summoned news conference at their Freetown, Sierra Leone Secretariat.
Wesseh said as soon as travelling modalities are convenient enough they will travel to Conakry for a meeting with the junta leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya and his counterparts for dialogue.
A statement that was subsequently issued by MRU said it was alarmed by the developments in Guinea. “The MRU joins ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations in calling for the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea and the protection and safety of President Conde and all those under arrest with him”, the statement reads.
The MRU acknowledged the role played by Conde who was up to the time of the coup, Chairman of the MRU. The union affirmed what it said was Conde’s vital contribution in the maintenance of sub-regional peace, security, and stability, which the grouping says are essential for sustainable growth and development.
The statement insisted that: “The MRU stands in solidarity with the people of Guinea and reaffirms the union’s commitment to the promotion of durable peace through democratic assumption of political power and governance consistent with national constitutions”.
President Conde who was running a controversial third term was toppled by Special Forces commander Colonel Doumbouya who accused Conde’s regime of corruption and constitutional violation.
Doumbouya‘s junta imposed a nationwide night curfew and closed the country’s borders after the announcement of the overthrown of the civilian government. However, the ban on air travel was lifted on Monday although the curfew and closure of land borders were still maintained.
The junta met former ministers and other officials of the previous regime on Monday, who were then restricted from travelling out of the country without permission and that they surrender their passports and other travelling documents.
Guinean army commanders have since been ordered to replace the civilian Goalvernors in the Prefectures or districts. The UN, AU, and ECOWAS have all condemned the coup and called for a return to constitutional order. Last week Conde in a new budget increased the salaries of his Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians but reduced those of the Civil Service that includes the Military and Police.
Conde who ruled for eleven years was being detained by the soldiers despite internal calls for his unconditional release. Opposition supporters poured into the streets of Conakry in celebration, when news of the coup broke, a reminder of how polarised the country has been over the years. Unconfirmed reports stated that 400 political prisoners were being held by Conde’s government.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online (08/09/21)
