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Coup: African Union Suspends Guinea

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Guinea’s ruling military came under diplomatic pressure on Friday as the African Union suspended the country over last weekend’s coup and West African envoys arrived to mediate in the crisis.

The regional bloc ECOWAS had already suspended Guinea after special forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Mamady Doumbouya seized power on Sunday and arrested president Alpha Conde.

On Friday, the African Union (AU) followed suit, tweeting that it had decided “to suspend the Republic of Guinea from all AU activities and decision-making bodies.”

Mediators from ECOWAS — the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States — also landed in the capital Conakry on Friday, AFP journalists saw.

ECOWAS Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou is part of the delegation, as are the Nigerian, Ghanaian, Burkinabe and Togolese foreign ministers.

Coup leader Doumbouya met the envoys at a hotel in Conakry on Friday afternoon. The delegation, which is also due to meet Conde, is set to Guinea leave the same evening.

Increasing pressure on Guinea comes amid rising fears of democratic backsliding across West Africa, where strongmen are an increasingly familiar sight.

Guinea’s putsch has drawn parallels with its neighbour Mali, which has suffered two coups since August last year led by Colonel Assimi Goita, who was also a special forces commander.

Condemnation 

A screen grab taken from footage sent to AFP by a military source on September 5, 2021 shows the President of Guinea Conakry Alpha Conde after he was captured by army putschists during a coup d’etat in Conakry on September 5, 2021. (Photo by – / MILITARY SOURCE / AFP)

On Wednesday, ECOWAS called for Conde’s “immediate and unconditional release.”

It also urged “the immediate return to constitutional order” and demanded that the security forces “maintain a constitutional posture.”

The US embassy in Conakry on Friday stated that Guinea should “immediately restore democracy.”

Guinea’s putschists have formed a junta named the CNRD, which has dissolved the government and the constitution.

Doumbouya appeared on television hours after the coup and accused the Conde government of “endemic corruption” and of “trampling on citizens’ rights”.

He has pledged to open talks on forming a new government, but it is not yet clear when, or under what form, these may take place.

When faced with a similar predicament in Mali last year, ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions on the country, but lifted them after Mali’s ruling military committed to restoring civilian rule.

‘Bury Democracy’ 

File photo: People celebrate in the streets with members of Guinea’s armed forces after the arrest of Guinea’s president, Alpha Conde, in a coup d’etat in Conakry, September 5, 2021 CELLOU BINANI / AFP

 

Public discontent in Guinea had been brewing for months over a flatlining Covid-hit economy and the leadership of Conde, who became the first democratically elected president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015.

But last year, Conde pushed through a new constitution enabling him to run for a third term in October 2020.

The move sparked mass demonstrations in which dozens of protesters were killed. Conde won the election but the political opposition maintained the poll was a sham.

After the coup, the junta freed about 80 political activists detained under Conde and banned ex-ministers from leaving the country.

On Thursday, it also said it had temporarily frozen ex-ministers’ bank accounts.

Coup leader Doumbouya has nonetheless promised there will be no “witch hunt” against members of the former regime.

The military has also guaranteed the safety of Conde, whose whereabouts are unknown.

The coup was greeted with jubilation in some parts of Conakry, where residents in some districts came flooded the streets to applaud the soldiers.

But Conde supporters are bitter. Victor Leno, a schoolteacher and a member of Conde’s RPG party, said that “in one day, the military really came and buried this beautiful democracy”.

An RPG spokesman Mahmoudou Traore warned against trusting the military’s promises of a transition.

“They will stay in power for five, six (or) seven years,” he predicted.

Aluminium Shock

Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world, despite its abundant reserves of minerals including iron ore, gold and diamonds.

The former French colony also has the world’s largest reserves of bauxite, the primary source of aluminium. Mining is the driver of the economy.

News of the coup sent the price of aluminium soaring to its highest level in 13 years this week, and triggered concern about the commodity supply chain among businesses.

Doumbouya has pledged continuity in the mining sector and said this week that Guinea will “uphold all its undertakings (and) mining agreements”.

 

 

 

 

 

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‎LAF Foundation Founder, Adisa Marks Birthday with Food Outreach in Oyo

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‎Founder of the LAF Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Adisa, has  celebrated his birthday by distributing food items to residents across Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, reaffirming his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.

The outreach, which attracted beneficiaries from different communities within the council area, was organised to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship confronting many households. Residents, including the elderly, widows, and low-income earners, received bags of rice and other food items from the foundation.

‎According to Adisa, his birthday was an opportunity to appreciate God by extending love and kindness to people in need rather than holding elaborate celebrations.

He said: “Every birthday reminds me that life is meaningful only when it positively impacts others. Today is not just about celebrating another year; it is about sharing God’s blessings with those around us. If we all make helping others a habit, our communities will become stronger and more united.”

The scholar noted that the LAF Foundation would continue to champion humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the welfare of the less privileged through education support, health initiatives, youth empowerment and community development programmes.

‎In his words, “The economic realities demand that those who have the capacity should lend a helping hand. This gesture may seem small, but for many families, it will make a significant difference. Our commitment to humanity remains unwavering.”

‎Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation for the timely intervention, describing the gesture as a source of relief. They commended Adisa for consistently identifying with ordinary people and prayed for greater strength and resources for him to sustain the initiative.

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‎Oseni hails Dotun Sanusi’s elevation as Gbonka Olubadan, says honour well deserved

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated foremost businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his elevation to the prestigious chieftaincy title of Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the honour as a fitting reward for a life devoted to service, compassion and the development of humanity.

‎Oseni, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the elevation was a well-deserved recognition of Chief Sanusi’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless people through philanthropy, enterprise and community development.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Chief Sanusi has, over the years, distinguished himself as an exceptional son of Ibadan whose investments, humanitarian interventions and unwavering support for the less privileged have continued to leave lasting footprints across Oyo State and beyond.

‎He said the latest elevation in the revered Olubadan traditional succession line was not merely a recognition of status, but a celebration of character, integrity and purposeful leadership, adding that Chief Sanusi has consistently demonstrated that genuine greatness is measured by the number of lives positively impacted.

‎According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the respected industrialist has earned the admiration of many through his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people, stressing that his contributions to education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development have continued to strengthen communities and inspire hope.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate my distinguished  brother and friend, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his well-deserved elevation as the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland. This honour is not only a recognition of your place in the revered Olubadan traditional institution, but also a celebration of your remarkable life of service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity,” Oseni said.

‎He added: “You have consistently shown that true leadership is about touching lives, creating opportunities and giving hope to others. Your philanthropy has restored dignity to many families, empowered young people, supported education and strengthened communities. It is gratifying to see these noble contributions being recognised through this prestigious elevation. I am confident that you will continue to serve Ibadanland with the same humility, wisdom and sense of responsibility that have always defined your public life.”

‎Oseni also commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Olubadan-in-Council for preserving the time-honoured succession tradition, describing the institution as one of the enduring symbols of stability, unity and cultural heritage in Yorubaland.

‎He expressed confidence that Chief Sanusi’s elevation would further strengthen the traditional institution while inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace selfless service, integrity and genuine commitment to community development.

The APC senatorial candidate prayed for God’s continued guidance, sound health and greater wisdom for the new Gbonka Olubadan as he ascends to higher responsibilities, expressing optimism that his new status would open another remarkable chapter of impactful service to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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Oriire Rescue: SWEGOP Seeks Stronger Security in Border Communities

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The South West Guild of Online Publishers has urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security in border communities following the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The guild said the successful rescue of the victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending months in captivity, should mark a turning point in efforts to secure vulnerable communities and prevent similar attacks.

In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Public Relations Officer, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the security agencies for what it described as their commitment and coordinated efforts that led to the victims’ rescue.

The guild described the operation as proof that strong political will, intelligence-driven operations and effective collaboration among security agencies can deliver positive results in the fight against insecurity.

It also praised the gallantry, resilience and professionalism of the military and other security personnel involved in the operation, noting that their sacrifices had restored hope to the rescued victims, their families and residents of Oyo State.

While celebrating the successful rescue, SWEGOP sympathised with the families of security personnel and civilians who lost their lives during the ordeal, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

The publishers observed that recent abductions across parts of the country revealed a disturbing pattern of attacks on border communities, where inadequate security presence, poor road networks, weak telecommunications infrastructure and easy escape routes into neighbouring countries have continued to expose residents to criminal activities.

It, therefore, called on governments at all levels to sustain the level of cooperation demonstrated during the rescue operation by strengthening collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to improve the safety of residents.

The guild further urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to deepen investments in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, rapid response mechanisms and community policing to guarantee the safety of schools and ensure that children can learn without fear.

SWEGOP reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, public safety and the protection of lives and property across the South-West and the country.

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