Guinea is a West African country located between Guinea-Bissau and Senegal and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. It has a population of around 12 million and is one of the world’s top 15 bauxite producers. The country is also a significant producer of gold, diamonds, and other minerals. In 2020, a military faction staged a coup against the elected president, taking control of the country’s mineral-rich lands in the process. This article explores the timeline of the coup and its implications for the people and government of Guinea.
Background of the Conflict
The underlying political tensions in Guinea began in 2010, when Alpha Condé won the presidential election. His rule was met with opposition from opponents who contended he was exploiting the country’s resources and marginalizing vulnerable populations. After a controversial constitutional referendum in 2020, international observers condemned the vote as undemocratic. This exacerbated the already existing tensions, leading to a popular uprising against President Condé.
Timeline of the Coup
The coup officially began in April 2020, when a military faction led by General Daba Diawara rose to power and declared themselves in control of Guinea. In the following days and weeks, the military consolidated their power and took control of key locations in the capital city of Conakry.
The military declared a state of emergency, suspending the constitution and banning any public protest or demonstration. Journalists covering the coup and its consequences were threatened with violence and arrested for speaking out. The leaders of the new military government declared that their rule is only temporary and that a new era of democracy will be achieved soon.
The international community, including the United Nations and African Union, strongly condemned the coup and called on the military to refrain from using violence. Several countries, including the United States, France, and Belgium, also imposed sanctions on Guinea in response to the coup.
Reaction of the People
The coup was met with shock and dismay by the people of Guinea. Many citizens reported feeling afraid and helpless as the military violently cracked down on dissenters and protesters. Furthermore, the ban on public assembly left citizens unable to voice their opposition or demand a restoration of democracy.
The citizens of Guinea have expressed frustration with their lack of political recourse since the takeover. The military has maintained a tight grip on power and the democratically elected president, Alpha Condé, appears to have been ousted from power. As a result, the people have been left with few options but to accept their new military rulers or risk further violence and oppression.
Impact on the Economy
The coup has had a major impact on Guinea’s economy. The ban on public protest has caused a drop in economic activity, as businesses are unable to operate safely and consumers are afraid to leave their homes. Investors are also concerned about the coup’s effect on Guinea’s mineral-rich resources, since these resources may now be exploited by the military for their own gain. In addition, the sanctions imposed by other countries have placed a strain on Guinea’s economy.
Impact on Human Rights
The coup has also had a negative impact on human rights in Guinea. The suspension of the constitution has left citizens without the protection of the law and open to arbitrary arrests and detentions by the military government. Furthermore, journalists and members of the political opposition have been the targets of violent intimidation and repression. Finally, women have been particularly vulnerable to the coup, as they have been denied access to essential healthcare and other essential services.
Future Outlook
The future outlook for Guinea is uncertain. The military has promised to restore democracy soon, however, they have yet to give a timeline or actions towards this goal. In the meantime, the country has been left in political and economic limbo, with citizens uncertain of their future. Without a unified government, it is unclear how the country will be able to overcome the current crisis and restore democracy and stability.
The military coup in Guinea has had a significant impact on the country’s political and economic stability. The military has so far been unwilling to relinquish control and restore democracy, leaving citizens feeling powerless and uncertain of their future. The resources of the mineral-rich country are now being exploited for the benefit of the military, causing further economic hardship for the citizens and exacerbating already existing inequality. Only time will tell if the military will restore a democratic government and allow citizens to regain control of their country.
