2008 Guinean coup d'état

2008 Guinean coup d'état

The 2008 Guinean coup d'état was a military coup that took place in Guinea on 23 December 2008, following the death of long-time President Lansana Conté. The coup was led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, who announced the dissolution of the government and the suspension of the constitution.

Background

Lansana Conté had been the President of Guinea since 1984, following a coup that brought him to power. His rule was marked by allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement. Conté's health had been deteriorating for several years, leading to speculation about the country's political future.

The Coup

On 22 December 2008, President Lansana Conté died after a long illness. The following day, a group of military officers, led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, seized control of the government. The coup leaders announced the formation of the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD), with Camara as its head.

The CNDD declared that it would lead a transitional government until elections could be held. The coup was met with mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. Some Guineans welcomed the change, hoping for an end to the corruption and stagnation of Conté's regime, while others feared further instability.

International Reaction

The international community largely condemned the coup. The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) both suspended Guinea's membership. The United Nations and several countries, including the United States and France, called for a return to constitutional order and the holding of free and fair elections.

Aftermath

Following the coup, the CNDD promised to hold elections within two years. However, the transition was marred by violence and political unrest. In September 2009, security forces opened fire on protesters in Conakry, resulting in the deaths of over 150 people and drawing widespread international condemnation.

In December 2009, Camara was wounded in an assassination attempt and subsequently went into exile. This led to a power struggle within the CNDD, eventually resulting in a transition to civilian rule. In 2010, Alpha Condé was elected as President in Guinea's first democratic elections since independence.

Also see

• Lansana Conté
• Moussa Dadis Camara
• Guinea
• 2009 Guinea protests
• Alpha Condé