Guinea junta leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, raises his hand at his swearing in ceremony on Oct 1, 2021 in Conakry. (CELLOU BINANI / AFP)
ACCRA – The leadership of an economic bloc in West Africa rejected a proposal by the military leaders of Guinea for a 36-month-long transitional period, the body's commission said late Saturday.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou said ECOWAS delayed the implementation of sanctions on Guinea following a military coup last year because the Guinean leaders had asked for some time to present a timetable for transition.
"Meanwhile, the Guinean authorities have announced a 36-month transitional timetable. But the authority of the heads of state and government of ECOWAS considered that 36 months is not acceptable, and asked that consultations continue so we find a solution for this timetable," Brou said at a press conference held here following an ECOWAS extraordinary session.
He called for dialogue in Guinea to deal with the socio-political crisis between the government, civil society organizations and other organized groups.
READ MORE: Guinea swears in coup leader as interim president
On Sept 5, 2021, Lieutenant-Colonel Mamady Doumbouya announced that his forces had arrested President Alpha Conde and dissolved the government and national institutions.
ECOWAS responded immediately by suspending Guinea's membership and announcing sanctions on the coup leaders.