Guinea’s Mlitary Ruler Joins Presidential Race
Guinea’s military leader, General Mamadi Doumbouya, has officially joined the race for president ahead of next month’s election. He filed his nomination papers at the Supreme Court on Monday, surrounded by soldiers, but made no public statement.
Gen. Doumbouya came to power in 2021 after leading a coup that removed then-President Alpha Condé. At the time, he promised to return the country to civilian rule and said neither he nor any member of his government would contest future elections.
However, the upcoming December election will now be held under a new constitution that allows him to run.
The decision has raised concerns about fairness, especially as two major opposition parties — RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG have been barred from contesting. Many Guineans are also unhappy about the high 875 million Guinean franc (about $100,000) fee required to register as a candidate.
Human rights groups have accused the junta of cracking down on dissent, shutting down media outlets, limiting internet access, and violently dispersing protests calling for democracy.
Before the coup, Doumbouya was a mid-level officer with military experience in Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, and the Central African Republic. At 40 years old, he is one of Africa’s youngest leaders.
Former President Alpha Condé and ex-Prime Ministers Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Touré, key opposition figures, remain in exile and will not take part in the election.
