A coup was attempted in Guinea on Sunday, “Jeune Afrique” magazine reported, citing sources.
It added that the coup was organised by the special task forces led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who previously served in the French Foreign Legion.
However, the report has not been officially confirmed.
Forces loyal to Guinean President Alpha Conde have detained 25 soldiers who participated in the military coup attempt, a local source said.
The military blocked the routes 50 kilometres from the city, the Guinee News portal said.
Earlier, Reuters reported that heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in Conakry, while many soldiers and convoys of military vehicles were patrolling the streets.
The agency also quoted a military source who said that the only bridge connecting the mainland to the Kaloum neighbourhood, where the presidential palace and ministries are located, has been sealed off, and that heavily armed soldiers were standing around the palace.
According to AFP, some residents who were reached by telephone in Kaloum reported sustained gunfire and said they had seen many soldiers telling residents to return home and remain inside.
Videos, reportedly of the incident, have emerged online, showing a residential area and shots and voices heard in the background.
Reuters has quoted a senior government official who said that President Alpha Conde was unharmed. The official, however, did not provide further details.
Another video shared online shows armed men in military uniforms standing near their vehicles.
Guinea’s Coup Leader Announces Dismissal of Gov’t, Suspension of Constitution, Closure of Borders
Col. Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of the rebels in Guinea, announced dissolution of the country’s government.
“We have decided to dissolve the government,” Doumbouya said in a video address, posted on Facebook by the Africa Guinee news outlet.
The rebel leader also announced abrogation of the country’s constitution as well as closure of Guinea’s land and air borders.
Renegade Special Forces Reportedly Detain Guinean President
Guinean President Alpha Conde has been detained by the country’s mutinous special forces, the Guinee News website reported on Sunday, citing sources.
According to the news outlet, the president is captured by the special forces led by Col. Mamady Doumbouya.
The rebels are said to have detained a number of high-ranking officials.