Heavy Gunfire Rock Guinea Capital Conakry Amid Military Takeover – Coup d’etat

The President of Guinea Alpha Condé is in captivity amid reports of military coup. The fate of the president is unclear after an unverified video showed him in the hands of soldiers, who could be heard saying they had staged a coup.

Unconfirmed coup. President Alpha Conde is in captivity as the military takes over Guinea. #Conakry #Guineeconakry #militarycoupinguinea pic.twitter.com/36AYo20M72

— SportsProphet (@Ebenezer_NC) September 5, 2021

This follows hours of heavy gunfire near the presidential palace in the capital, Conakry. The military has confirmed the takeover and Alpha Conde is with them but unharmed. Soldiers are patrolling the otherwise deserted streets of the city centre.

https://twitter.com/psfaero/status/1434470329418665993?s=21

However, the defence minister has been quoted saying the attempted takeover had been thwarted. Residents of Conakry have been cautioned to remain indoors to ensure calm is restored peacefully.

It is also reported that hours before the military arrested Alpha Conde, the central bank of Guinea was set on fire.

https://twitter.com/areyouawaqe/status/1434507197304778752?s=21

There are unconfirmed reports that three soldiers have been killed and all land and air borders have been closed with the government dissolved.

President Condé was re-elected for a controversial third term in office amid violent protests last year.