Guinea Coup: A Case of Justified Rebellion?

Mamady Doumbouya’s coup was met by a jubilant Guinea. Knowing fully well that a coup is outright treason and a dent on the democratic advancement of the country, the citizenry still jubilated. This sends a message of how grossly the overthrown government had lost favour in the sight of Guineans.

A government that started democratically suddenly took a detour with a constitutional amendment allowing President Alpha Conde to run more than the assigned two terms.

”We are inviting our men and officers in the security forces to unite so that we can respond to the legitimate aspirations of Guineans. We would not repeat the past mistakes”; these are the words of the coup leader, Mamady Doumbouya.

These words blatantly point out the miscomings of the ousted government. The aspirations to have long lasting democracy without oppression were not satisfied. The President’s decision to remove presidential term limits was met by protests in which at least 32 lives were lost but was still pushed through. This single action of the government was enough to spark the anger of citizens.

In as much as a coup is not the best solution to bad governance, it goes without saying that the reasons behind the coup are purely legitimate. The people of Guinea, not knowing what the military rulers have for them, still stand in support of the coup. And the final statement of Colonel Mamady when he emphasized that they will not repeat the past mistakes were enough to further entrench the people’s belief in this new system.

It is an awakening call to other African leaders. The aspirations of the people must always be put first by any government. Intractably selfish aspirations of some African leaders are what have culminated in the series of military takeovers the continent has witnessed. Till African leaders put the legitimate interest of their people first, coups, however vile they may seem, will be justified rebellion in the eyes of citizens.

By KENNEDY-ZUMEDOR SHALOM