Conakry, Guinea – Guinea’s military junta has suspended three major political parties, including that of ousted president Alpha Condé, ahead of a controversial constitutional referendum campaign. The suspension, which will last for three months, targets Condé’s Rally of the Guinean People, as well as the Union of Democratic Forces and the Party of Renewal and Progress.
The move comes as the country prepares for mass protests set to begin on September 5. The demonstrations, organised by opposition and civil society groups, are intended to denounce what they call a power grab by junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup.
The referendum, scheduled for September 21, aims to rewrite the constitution. Critics and rights groups warn that the new constitution could pave the way for General Doumbouya to run for president, despite a previous ban on junta leaders standing in elections.
The military government has banned all protests since 2022 and has increasingly cracked down on opposition leaders, with many forced into exile or arrested. Earlier this year, dozens of other political parties were also suspended or dissolved for allegedly failing to comply with new regulations.
International rights groups have condemned the junta’s actions, warning that Guinea’s fragile democracy is facing an uncertain future during this critical transition period.
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