Guinea Junta suspends three major political parties

Guinea’s ruling junta has suspended three major political parties, including that of former president Alpha Condé, for three months ahead of a referendum on a new constitution.

According to an order seen by AFP on Saturday, the Rally of the Guinean People (RPG), Condé’s party, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) led by former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, and the Party of Renewal and Progress (PRP) were barred for failing to meet certain requirements.

“These parties have not fulfilled the obligations required of them,” the order stated.

The suspension comes as opposition groups and civil society organisations prepared for nationwide demonstrations on September 5 against what they describe as an attempt by junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya to entrench himself in power.

The military government has also delayed the start of the electoral campaign for the constitutional referendum by one week, announcing on state television Friday night that campaigning will now begin on August 31.

The referendum itself is scheduled for September 21.

Opposition leaders have rejected the planned constitution, warning it could allow Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup that toppled Condé, to contest future elections.

While the draft charter paves the way for a return to civilian rule, it does not explicitly bar the junta leader from running.

A transition charter adopted after the coup had clearly prohibited members of the junta or transitional authorities from standing for election.

However, critics fear the adoption of a new constitution could scrap that restriction in a country long dominated by authoritarian governments.

Since taking power, Doumbouya’s administration has banned protests and forced several opposition leaders into exile or prosecution, further heightening tensions ahead of the referendum.

AFP

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