The Intelligence from The Economist Putsch back: Africa’s latest coup in Guinea
Sep 9, 2021
Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the recent military coup in Guinea, discussing its implications for governance and public sentiment in the region. James Yan, Foreign correspondent based in Vancouver, analyzes Canada's turbulent political landscape as Prime Minister Trudeau navigates a snap election amidst growing challenges. The conversation also touches on the cultural bias in Georgia towards male children, reflecting on societal shifts and future implications for gender equality.
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Coup Pretext
- Frustration brewed in Guinea due to Condé's constitutional changes for extended rule and violent suppression of protests.
- This context allowed soldiers a pretext for the coup, fueled by public anger over poverty, corruption, and tax hikes.
Coup Leader
- Colonel Mamadi Dumbuya, head of Guinea Special Forces since 2018, led the coup. He served in the French Foreign Legion and fought in Afghanistan.
- Dumbuya's 2016 request for ammunition was denied over coup fears, suggesting premeditation.
International Response
- Western powers and regional bodies like ECOWAS condemned the coup and demanded Condé's release, but their leverage is limited.
- Unlike Mali and Chad, Western security interests in Guinea are less prominent, potentially leading to sustained condemnation.