In an unprecedented move, Guinea’s transitional military government, led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, has dissolved 53 political parties and placed 54 others under three-month observation.
This sweeping action comes as the West African nation awaits a timeline for the return to civilian rule, with no election date announced yet.
Since seizing power in 2021 from former President Alpha Condé, Doumbouya’s administration has faced pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democratic governance. ECOWAS has set a 2025 deadline for elections, as Guinea joins a regional trend where military governments are postponing transitions to civilian rule.
According to Guinea’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, the dissolution and monitoring of parties follow a review conducted in June aimed at “cleaning up the political chessboard.”
Political parties under observation, including Condé’s Rally of the Guinean People and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea, were cited for administrative non-compliance, such as failing to hold party congresses and submit bank statements. These parties may continue operations but must address these issues within the observation period.
Doumbouya, who cited corruption and unfulfilled promises as reasons for the 2021 coup, has faced his own share of criticism. After dissolving the government earlier this year, he promised to appoint a new one, yet concerns remain about his commitment to genuine democratic reform in Guinea.