Guinea’s military leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who has been in power since a coup four years ago, has officially entered the presidential race. This move comes despite an earlier promise to return the country to civilian rule, sparking concerns about the election’s fairness.
Colonel Doumbouya submitted his candidacy at the Supreme Court on Monday, accompanied by soldiers. He made no public statement during the filing.
The upcoming December election has already faced scrutiny, with two major opposition parties, RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG, being excluded from participating. Furthermore, a new requirement for presidential candidates to pay a substantial deposit of 875 million Guinean francs (approximately $100,000) has been met with shock and criticism.
This election is being held under a new constitution that permits Colonel Doumbouya to run for president. His tenure has been marked by a crackdown on dissent, with reports of media restrictions, internet disruptions, and the suppression of protests. Ironically, these actions mirror the very reasons he cited for overthrowing the previous administration, led by President Alpha Condé.
Before leading the 2021 coup, Colonel Doumbouya was a mid-ranking soldier with extensive international experience. At 40 years old, he is currently one of the youngest heads of state in Africa.
Several prominent political figures, including former President Alpha Condé and former Prime Ministers Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Touré, are not participating in the election as they are currently living abroad.