By Ebi Kesiena
Guinea’s ruling junta has ruled out exile for detained former President, Alpha Conde, stating that transition toward civilian rule would be done in accordance with the will of the people, as Guinea will decide its destiny.
The statement from the Ruling Council came in defiance of international pressure for Conde’s release and a six-month timetable for elections, after a coup on September 5 sparked global condemnation.
It also followed the visit of a mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by two heads of state from the 15-member West African bloc.
Mamady Doumbouya, the Colonel who led the coup, told the visiting delegation that it was important for ECOWAS to listen to the legitimate aspirations of the people of Guinea.
However, Doumbouya stressed the need not to repeat the mistakes of the past, recalling that national consultations to outline the transition had begun and that only the sovereign people of Guinea will decide its destiny.
