Amanze Chinonye
Guinea’s military government leader, General Mamady Doumbouya, has formally entered the December 28 presidential race, marking a dramatic reversal of his 2021 pledge not to contest after seizing power in a coup that ousted former President Alpha Condé.
Doumbouya, 40, arrived at the Supreme Court in Conakry on Monday in an armoured vehicle surrounded by special forces to submit his candidacy papers.
Thousands of supporters, many of whom travelled to the capital by bus, gathered outside the court chanting, “Mamady champion, Mamady president, Mamady already elected!” The general left the court without making a statement.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe upcoming election is being billed by the junta as a step toward restoring constitutional order after years of military rule. However, critics argue it merely consolidates Doumbouya’s grip on power following a September constitutional referendum that effectively cleared the way for his candidacy.
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According to official results, about 89 percent of voters endorsed the new constitution, with turnout put at 86.4 percent. The charter not only extends the presidential term from five to seven years but also removes restrictions that barred junta members from running for office, while introducing new institutions such as a Senate.
The document also stipulates that presidential candidates must be between 40 and 80 years old and reside in Guinea, effectively excluding exiled opposition figures like former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, 73, and former President Alpha Condé, 87. Condé, Guinea’s first democratically elected leader, has lived abroad since his ouster.
Other contenders who have filed applications include former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté and former Foreign Minister Hadja Makalé Camara, both of whom are expected to feature prominently in the December poll.
The opposition Living Forces of Guinea (FVG) alliance denounced Doumbouya’s candidacy as “a disastrous turning point in our country’s history,” accusing him of violating “the solemn commitments” he made not to seek the presidency.
Since taking power in 2021, Doumbouya’s government has been repeatedly criticised for tightening restrictions on civil liberties, including banning demonstrations, jailing political opponents, and clamping down on the media. Several journalists have been detained, and independent outlets suspended.
Analysts say the upcoming vote will test Guinea’s democratic resilience and the junta’s willingness to hand over power through a credible electoral process.
Once hailed as a symbol of postcolonial independence, being the first sub-Saharan African country after Ghana to break free from French rule in 1958, Guinea has struggled with decades of political instability and military dominance despite its vast mineral wealth, including the world’s largest bauxite reserves and the untapped Simandou iron ore deposit.
The December 28 election will be Guinea’s first since the 2021 coup, drawing close scrutiny from ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners amid growing concerns over a democratic backslide in West Africa.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
