CONAKRY, Guinea — The primary opposition coalition in Guinea has urged its members to exit the country’s legislative assembly following the ruling military junta’s failure to meet a crucial timeline for reinstating democratic governance. This coalition, known as Forces Vives de Guinée, encompasses the main opposition parties and made its withdrawal request public in a statement released on Wednesday evening. The group is referring to the National Transitional Council, which has functioned as the parliament since the military’s takeover two years prior.
Guinea is among a series of West African nations where military regimes have assumed control, delaying the re-establishment of civilian government. Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who has led the country since 2021, had previously consented to initiate a democratic transition, setting a target for December 31, 2024.
The opposition’s protests erupted in response to the junta’s missed deadline, resulting in significant unrest that disrupted activities in the capital city, Conakry, last week. In his New Year’s address, Doumbouya did proclaim that a decree for a constitutional referendum would be enacted to commence the democratic transition, though he did not specify a timeline for when this process would take place. Activists and opposition factions criticized this announcement, suggesting it was merely a tactic to extend military governance rather than an actual step toward democracy.
Last year, the junta undertook the dissolution of over 50 political parties, a move justified by officials as an attempt to “clean up the political chessboard.” In conjunction with this, the junta has increased its control over independent media. Rights organizations have reported that social media platforms and private radio stations are frequently shut down, while information websites have faced interruptions or prolonged suspensions without any clear rationale. Journalists working under these conditions have been subject to violence and arrests.
The National Transitional Council is primarily responsible for developing a new constitution for Guinea. It consists of 81 members, incorporating 15 representatives from political parties as well as youth leaders, security personnel, trade unionists, business representatives, and others—all of whom were appointed by the ruling junta.
Forces Vives de Guinée stands as the principal opposition entity within the legislative council, holding three seats. This coalition includes the Rally of the Guinean People, the party formerly led by President Alpha Condé, along with another significant opposition force, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea. Both parties achieved more than 90% of the votes in the last presidential election held in 2020.
