Ecowas leaders (pictured) announce sanctions almost a fortnight after Guinea's coup. Credit/BBC

Ecowas leaders (pictured) announce sanctions almost a fortnight after Guinea’s coup. Credit/BBC

 

Ecowas leaders slam travel bans, asset freezes on Guinea junta leaders

Leaders of West Africa’s regional bloc, Ecowas, have imposed travel bans and a freeze on the financial assets of Guinea’s coup leaders and their families.

The sanctions are expected to put more pressure on the military junta to restore constitutional rule.

The decisions were announced after a summit in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday.

Ecowas also wants the junta to conduct elections within six months, and insists that none of the military leaders should be allowed to contest the polls.

The West African leaders however expressed their willingness to support Guinea through the transitional process.

They have called on the Africa Union, the UN, and their international partners to help enforce the travel bans and financial sanctions against the junta and their families.

They’re also demanding the unconditional release of the ousted President Alpha Condé.

An elite military united headed by Col Mamady Doumbouya seized power in Guinea nearly two weeks ago, accusing the government of mismanagement and corruption. BBC

Editorial Chief, Nigerian Bureau

Kings UBA is a Nigerian journalist and writer. I have reported for major local and international news organisations. I write satire. In 2017, I started contributing stories primarily to Discover Africa News Network. I can be reached on editorkingsuba@gmail.com. I currently manage Discover Africa News social media handles