CONAKRY, Guinea — Various regions of Guinea’s capital city have been placed under lockdown as civil society organizations and opposition factions initiated protests against the military junta’s failure to adhere to a promised timeline for reinstating democratic governance. Amid these tensions, the United States has pressed for a clear schedule for the long-overdue elections.
In a related incident, opposition leader Aliou Bah was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of “insulting” the junta’s leader. His apprehension occurred back in December, marking a significant event in the ongoing political unrest. Bah, a prominent figure in the Liberal Democratic Movement, stands out as one of the few dissenting voices willing to remain in Guinea despite the mounting pressures on critics and independent press. “Today is a distressing moment for freedom of expression and a setback for democracy in Guinea,” stated Bah’s attorney, Antoine Pépé Lama.
Guinea is among several nations in West Africa where military rule has disrupted the process of returning to civilian governance. Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya has been in control since 2021 and had initially promised a democratic transition by the end of 2024. However, as the deadline approached, he delivered yet another vague statement during his New Year’s address, indicating that a decree for a constitutional referendum would be forthcoming, yet failing to specify any exact dates. This announcement was swiftly criticized by activists and opposition groups, who labeled it a tactic designed to extend the junta’s hold on power.
In a recent notice issued late Monday, the Forces Vives de Guinée coalition called for a stay-at-home protest, denouncing the junta for effectively keeping Guinea “hostage.” Reports from the protests indicated that one individual was fatally shot and that authorities detained hundreds, primarily young demonstrators. No official responses came from the government on Tuesday.
The U.S. State Department has voiced its concerns, urging the military leadership in Guinea to take definitive actions towards facilitating the constitutional referendum and holding democratic elections. It called on the junta to include civil society organizations and political parties in this pivotal process. “The United States is troubled by Guinea’s failure to meet the January 1, 2025, target for initiating a democratic transition and emphasizes the need for an open and inclusive approach that reflects the participation of all Guineans,” stated the Department in a recent announcement.
Beyond the logistics of scheduling elections, there are significant doubts regarding the integrity of any forthcoming elections. Last year, the junta disbanded over 50 political parties, claiming it was an effort to “clean up the political chessboard.” Rights organizations have also reported an escalating clampdown on independent media; actions have included the frequent disruption of social media, suspension of private radio stations, and prolonged shutdowns of information websites without justification. Journalists in the region have often faced harassment and arrest, further stifling dissenting voices.
