‘The president is with us,’ Guinea’s coup leader told FRANCE 24

In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, the head of the elite Guinean army unit confirmed on Sunday that the country’s president, Alpha Condé, was being detained by his forces. “The president is with us, he is in a safe place,” said Lt. Col. Mamady Doumbouya.

On Sunday, Guinea’s military special forces staged a coup, announcing that they had arrested the country’s president, dissolved the government, and would rewrite the constitution.

In an exclusive interview with Malick Diakité, a correspondent for FRANCE 24, Doumbouya said: “The entire army is here, from Nzérékoré to Conakry, to help build this country.”

He also confirmed that the president was being held by his men. “The president is with us, he is in a safe place. You’ve seen a doctor, no problem. “

To see the full interview, click on the player above.