Guinean special forces seized power in a coup on Sunday, arresting the President and imposing an indefinite curfew in the west African country.

It was not entirely clear what precipitated the army’s move against the 83-year-old Alpha Conde. However, a special forces commander said in a televised address that “poverty and endemic corruption” had driven his troops to act.

Meanwhile, China has called for the release of Guinea’s detained President Alpha Conde. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday. “We call on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation,” said Wang in response to a query regarding Sunday’s military coup in Guinea.