Guinea military rulers react against sanctions

By Fatma Esma Arslan

DAKAR, Senegal (AA) – Guinea’s military junta on Saturday sharply reacted at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’s decision to impose sanctions against the country.

“As soldiers, their (military leaders) work is in Guinea and there is nothing to freeze in their accounts,” said Amara Camara, spokesperson for the National Committee established by the military.

Camara said that Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, leader of the National Committee for Rally and Development (CNRD) was also appointed as the new president.

At the extraordinary summit organized by ECOWAS on Thursday, the junta in Guinea was given six months to restore the constitutional order.

The summit decided to freeze the assets of the junta members and to impose a travel ban on them as well as their families.

Like the African Union, ECOWAS condemned the military takeover and suspended the country from the bloc.

On Sept. 5, Guinea’s president was detained by soldiers led by an army colonel, who announced the move on state television.

Addressing the nation on public broadcaster Col. Mamadi Doumbouya said President Alpha Conde is safe and in custody.

“We have taken all measures to ensure that he has access to health care and he is in contact with doctors. Everything will be fine,” said a statement attributed to Doumbouya.