Guinean junta gains control despite threat of international sanctions

(Update 1: adds information on international sanctions)

Dakar, Sept 7 (EFE) .- The military junta that led the coup in Guinea-Conakry on Sunday continued to seize power on Tuesday after being endorsed by the opposition political force, despite the threat of international sanctions.

Guinean opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo has announced his support for the military coup that toppled the country’s president Alpha Condé this week.

Despite Diallo’s approval, the coup was condemned by much of the international community.

The junta in charge risks being sanctioned by organizations like the African Union (AU) or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which tend to impose sanctions on unconstitutional seizures. .

The African Union announced on Sunday that it would take “appropriate” measures, while ECOWAS demanded a return to constitutional order and threatened to impose sanctions on the country if it did not.

International organizations are expected to announce potential sanctions on Wednesday (ECOWAS) and Thursday (AU).

Diallo, head of the National Alliance for Change and Democracy (ANAD), said he agreed with the principles announced by the putschists, who call themselves the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD ), according to local media in West Africa. nation.

“The CNRD can count on the support of the ANAD in the effort to build a peaceful democracy in our country,” said Diallo during a public appearance at the end of the evening.

He also urged the putschists to give priority to the establishment of “legitimate institutions capable of carrying out reforms that can quickly lead the country to national reconciliation and the establishment of the rule of law”.