Russia has called for the immediate release of President Condé of Guinea. Soldiers have the president captured yesterday and overthrew the government of the West African country.
“Moscow opposes any attempt at unconstitutional leadership change,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. “We demand that Mr Condé be released and that his immunity be guaranteed. We consider it necessary to return the situation in Guinea to constitutional standards as soon as possible.”
The coup followed a day of unrest last weekend in the capital Conakry. It is not known whether the army now holds total power. Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who led the coup, said yesterday that he would no longer entrust politics to one man, “we want to give her to the people”. Meanwhile, President Condé is being held in an unknown location.
Bauxite prices highest in a year and a half
The coup also has economic consequences for the country. The price of bauxite has reached its highest level in 18 months in China. Buyers are concerned about the delivery of the commodity after the coup.
Guinea is the second largest producer of bauxite, which is used to manufacture aluminum. China is the largest sales market. A spokesman for the world’s largest bauxite producer says production in Guinea is running as normal. The mines would not have been affected by the political unrest.
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