The Federal Government called on those behind the military takeover to restore constitutional order without delay.
A statement by Esther Sunsuwa, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “The Nigerian Government is saddened by the apparent coup d’état that has taken place in the Republic of Guinea today, in clear violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“The Government of Nigeria strongly condemns and rejects any unconstitutional change of government and therefore calls on those behind this coup to restore constitutional order without delay and protect all lives and property.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday demanded a return to constitutional order in Guinea and threatened to impose sanctions after special forces soldiers apparently ousted long-serving President Alpha Conde.
A statement by ECOWAS chairman, Ghana’s President Nana Akuffo-Addo, condemned what it called “an attempted coup,” and demanded the immediate and unconditional liberation of Conde, who was detained by the soldiers.
The African Union (AU) bloc also condemned the military takeover and demanded the immediate liberation of President Alpha Conde.
A statement by AU chairman and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat called on the body’s Peace and Security Council to meet urgently to examine the situation and take appropriate measures.
Army Colonel Mamady Doumbouya seized control of state television and declared an end to President Alpha Conde’s government. He announced the closure of the West African nation’s borders.
The announcement came after hours of heavy gunfire near the presidential palace.
