Alpha Condé

At a glance

Dates: From 2021.

What came beforeAI-assisted

Alpha Condé had served as Guinea's president since 2010, winning elections in 2010, 2015, and 2020. In March 2020, he pushed through a new constitution that allowed him to reset his term limits, enabling him to potentially rule until 2026.

Guinea faced severe economic hardship, high unemployment, and widespread discontent over Condé's third-term bid. Security forces had killed dozens of opposition protesters during demonstrations against the constitutional changes in 2019–2020.

Catalyst / how it startedAI-assisted

On September 5, 2021, soldiers from the Special Forces unit (CNRD) launched a coordinated military operation, seizing key government buildings and state media outlets in Conakry. They announced the dissolution of the government and suspension of the constitution on national radio.

Who was involvedAI-assisted

Lieutenant Colonel Mamady Doumbouya led the coup as head of the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD). The coup was carried out primarily by members of Guinea's Special Forces unit.

Alpha Condé, age 83, was the primary target. International actors including the African Union, ECOWAS, and Western governments quickly condemned the takeover.

TimelineAI-assisted

September 5, 2021: Armed soldiers surrounded the presidential palace early morning; Condé was captured by mid-afternoon. The CNRD announced the coup on state radio and declared a curfew.

September 6–7: Doumbouya appeared on television promising elections and a transition to civilian rule. Regional and international pressure mounted for Condé's release and restoration of constitutional order.

What happened

The President of Guinea, Alpha Condé is captured by armed forces during a coup d'état.