A video that's been circulating on social media is said to show former French legionnaire Colonel Mamady Doumbouya who says that the army has dissolved the Guinea government and sealed the country's borders.

He said the actions were taken due to the social and economic situation of the country, disregard for people's rights and disrespect for democratic values.

The man in the video also said that they have taken President Alpha Conde.

Unauthenticated photos and videos on social media show President Conde among soldiers, and the capital Conakry filled with troops.

However the Guinean defense ministry said in a statement that an attack on the presidential palace had been contained, Reuters reports.

"The presidential guard, supported by the loyalist and republican defence and security forces, contained the threat and repelled the group of assailants," the statement said, adding that "security and combing operations are continuing to restore order and peace."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the military action against the government by special forces, and called for the immediate release of President Conde.

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