Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help support (a) the Economic Community of West African States, (b) the African Union, and (c) civil society groups in Guinea in their efforts to secure a timetable for free and fair elections in Guinea.

The UK Government has joined the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and international partners to condemn the removal by force of the President of Guinea, Alpha Condé, in a coup that was led by Colonel Doumbouya on 5 September 2021.

We continue to call for all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue to ease tensions, prevent any further violence and uphold democratic principles, including the rule of law. The UK has expressed support for regional mediation efforts and remains aligned with ECOWAS efforts to restore stability in the region, including by calling for a peaceful democratic transition as soon as possible.

We continue to work with our international partners to address the implications of the coup and monitor the situation closely, including in my discussion with ECOWAS President Brou on 18 November 2021.