On September 5, 2021, a coup d'état unfolded in Guinea when President Alpha Condé was captured by a group of armed forces. This upheaval was primarily led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who commanded the Special Forces of Guinea. The coup emerged from a backdrop of increasing dissatisfaction with Condé's regime, particularly regarding his controversial decision to amend the constitution in 2020 that allowed him to seek a third term in office. This move ignited protests and significant civil unrest across Guinea, creating an unstable political climate.

On that day, Doumbouya's forces moved swiftly, surrounding the presidential palace in Conakry. They declared the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of the government through a televised announcement. The presence of armed soldiers on the streets signaled a clear message of power shift, which drew both local and international attention. The coup was met with mixed reactions, as some citizens expressed relief at the change in leadership after years of perceived autocratic rule, while others feared the implications of military governance.

Following Condé's capture, Colonel Doumbouya declared that the military intended to restore peace and order. He pledged to organize democratic elections but did not provide a timeline for when these might occur. The aftermath of the coup led to regional discussions about stability in West Africa, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the military takeover and sought to engage in diplomacy to restore constitutional order. The event marked a significant shift in Guinea's political landscape and raised questions about the future of governance in the region.