Tensions have escalated in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, as widespread protests continue over the military government’s failure to meet its promised deadline for transitioning to democracy. The protests, led by civil society groups and opposition parties, have led to a lockdown in several parts of the city, as demonstrators demand the fulfillment of the military’s pledge to return the country to civilian rule.
The United States has urged the military authorities to provide a clear and actionable timeline for holding the long-delayed elections, which have become a critical issue for many Guineans. The protestors’ frustrations stem from the failure of the government, led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, to meet the self-imposed December 31, 2024, deadline for initiating democratic reforms.
In a separate development, opposition leader Aliou Bah has been sentenced to two years in prison following his conviction on charges of “insulting” the military leader. Bah, the head of the Liberal Democratic Movement, has remained in Guinea despite increasing pressure on dissenting voices and independent media. His lawyer, Antoine Pépé Lama, has criticized the ruling, calling it a direct attack on freedom of expression and a significant blow to Guinea’s democratic prospects.
Guinea, like several other West African nations, has experienced military takeovers that have stalled progress towards civilian governance. Colonel Doumbouya’s military government, which seized power in a coup in 2021, initially committed to returning to democratic rule by the end of 2024. However, as the deadline has passed with little progress, Doumbouya’s administration has faced increased scrutiny. In a New Year’s address, Doumbouya reiterated his commitment to a democratic transition, announcing plans for a constitutional referendum, but failed to offer a specific date for its implementation.
This lack of clarity has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition groups and activists, who view the announcement as a tactic to prolong military rule rather than an earnest step toward democratic reforms.
The Forces Vives de Guinée coalition, a group comprising civil society organizations and political parties, has called for a stay-at-home protest to express opposition to the current government’s actions. The coalition accused the military government of holding Guinea “hostage” and has reported violence during recent demonstrations, including the fatal shooting of one protester and the arrest of hundreds, mostly young people.
The United States has expressed concern over Guinea’s inability to meet the January 1, 2025, target date for the democratic transition. In a statement, the U.S. State Department called on the military authorities to take concrete steps toward the constitutional referendum and ensure an inclusive, transparent process that engages all political stakeholders.
In addition to concerns over the election timeline, there are growing fears about the credibility of the electoral process. In 2023, the military government dissolved over 50 political parties, citing the need for a “clean-up” of the political landscape. Rights organizations have also raised alarms about the increasing clampdown on independent media, with reports of media outlets being blocked or suspended and journalists facing harassment, arrests, and attacks.
As Guinea grapples with a stalled transition and growing unrest, the international community remains closely watching the situation. With many uncertainties surrounding the country’s future, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Guinea can navigate its path toward democracy or if military rule will continue to dominate the political landscape.