Moscow opposes any attempts at the unconstitutional change of power in Guinea and demands the release of president Alpha Condé, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday.
"We are following with deep concern the developments in the friendly Republic of Guinea, where on September 5 a group of soldiers led by former special forces battalion commander Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya carried out an armed seizure of power in the capital Conakry," the Russian foreign ministry reports. - "Moscow opposes any attempts of an unconstitutional change of power. We demand the release of Alpha Condé and the provision of his immunity. We consider it necessary to return the situation in Guinea to constitutional norms as soon as possible. We urge all Guinean political forces to refrain from actions that could provoke further violence and to seek a peaceful and negotiated solution to the situation".
The diplomatic mission also pointed out that Russia is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in Guinea. "According to the Russian embassy in Conakry, there are no injured Russians in Guinea and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safety," the ministry said.
The Russian foreign ministry also recommended that "Russian citizens should not travel to the Republic of Guinea until the situation has fully normalized".
It also reminded that the previously announced visit of Guinea's foreign minister, Ibrahim Khalil Kaba, to Russia will not take place.
On September 5, an elite Guinean special forces unit led by colonel Mamadi Doumbouya entered the government quarter of Conakry and positioned itself in front of the presidential palace, witnesses reported gunfire. Rebel leader Doumbouya appeared on national television and announced the detention of president Alpha Condé, the dissolution of the government and the suspension of the constitution.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS