The struggle for power reaches Guinea; the soldiers say on television that they have taken charge

CONAKRY, Sept. 5 (Reuters) – Soldiers who staged an uprising in the Guinean capital on Sunday said in a brief broadcast on state television that they have dissolved the constitution and government of the West African state.

However, the defense ministry said an attack on the presidential palace had been stifled by mutinous forces.

On Sunday morning there had been heavy gunfire near the presidential palace in Conakry, and several sources said a unit of the elite national army led by a former French legionary, Mamady Doumbouya, was behind the riots.

An unidentified soldier, surrounded by the national flag of Guinea and surrounded by eight other armed soldiers, told the broadcast that they planned to form a transitional government and would give more details later.

The soldier spoke after videos shared on social media – which Reuters could not immediately authenticate – showed President Alpha Conde surrounded in a room by army special forces.

The defense ministry said the attempted insurgency had been quelled.

“The presidential guard, backed by loyal and Republican defense and security forces, contained the threat and repelled the group of assailants,” he said in a statement.

“Security and hairstyle operations continue to restore order and peace.”

Earlier, videos shared on social media showed military vehicles patrolling the streets of Conkary and a military source said the only bridge connecting the mainland with the Kaloum district, which houses the palace and most government ministries, it had been sealed.

Many soldiers, some heavily armed, were sent around the palace, the source added.

Reports by Saliou Samb and Bate Felix Written by John Stonestreet Edited by Frances Kerry

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