Uncertainty in Guinea after military coup removes Alpha Conde

The coup leaders have promised a government of national unity to lead transition to civilian rule, but questions remain.

Guinea’s leader Alpha Conde used to tell journalists that he was the only one who could lead the country. He would also say the military would not overthrow him. On Sunday, he was proved wrong. An elite Special Forces unit stormed the presidential palace in the capital, Conakry, detaining the 83-year-old president. Hours later, coup leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya appeared on state broadcaster Radio Television Guineenne, draped in the Guinean flag, introducing himself to surprised Guineans as the country’s new leader.