Soldiers in Guinea have toppled President Alpha Conde after heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace in the capital, Conakry, today.
The coup plotters have since closed the country’s borders, suspended the constitution and detained President Conde.
Reports indicated that soldiers have been dispatched to patrol the streets of Conakry and mount the presidential palace.
Reuters news agency quoted a military official as saying that the bridge connecting the rest of the city to the Kaloum neighbourhood had been sealed off with many soldiers patrolling the palace. The neighbourhood is home to major government infrastructure, including the presidential palace.
President Condé was reelected last year for a third term after winning 59.5 per cent of the votes.
But the opposition rejected the results, alleging that it was fraught with fraud, triggering violent protests across the country.
Pix: Conde