Guinea’s military ruler, General Mamady Doumbouya, on Monday formally declared his candidacy for the December 28 presidential election, a vote intended to restore constitutional rule after four years of military leadership.
Doumbouya, who seized power in a September 2021 coup that ousted former President Alpha Condé, arrived at the Supreme Court in Conakry in an armoured vehicle to submit his nomination papers. Surrounded by heavily armed special forces, the general declined to make a statement before departing.
Thousands of supporters had gathered outside the court, chanting slogans such as “Mamady champion, Mamady president, Mamady already elected.”
The development ends months of speculation over Doumbouya’s political intentions despite his earlier assurances that he would oversee a transition and return the country to civilian rule.
Guinea, a West African nation of about 14.5 million people, has endured decades of political instability marked by coups and authoritarian rule. The brief democratic interlude that began with Condé’s 2010 election — the first in the country’s history — was cut short by Doumbouya’s takeover.
Meanwhile, the opposition Living Forces of Guinea (FVG) alliance condemned the junta leader’s decision, describing it as “a disastrous turning point in our country’s history.”
“By entering the race, General Doumbouya has trampled on the solemn commitments he made not to run for president,” the coalition said in a statement, urging Guineans and the international community to reject his bid.
The December election is seen as a crucial test of Guinea’s commitment to returning to democratic governance after years of political uncertainty and economic hardship.
Guinea’s military ruler, General Mamady Doumbouya, on Monday formally declared his candidacy for the December 28 presidential election, a vote intended to restore constitutional rule after four years of military leadership.
Doumbouya, who seized power in a September 2021 coup that ousted former President Alpha Condé, arrived at the Supreme Court in Conakry in an armoured vehicle to submit his nomination papers. Surrounded by heavily armed special forces, the general declined to make a statement before departing.
Thousands of supporters had gathered outside the court, chanting slogans such as “Mamady champion, Mamady president, Mamady already elected.”
The development ends months of speculation over Doumbouya’s political intentions despite his earlier assurances that he would oversee a transition and return the country to civilian rule.
Guinea, a West African nation of about 14.5 million people, has endured decades of political instability marked by coups and authoritarian rule. The brief democratic interlude that began with Condé’s 2010 election — the first in the country’s history — was cut short by Doumbouya’s takeover.
Meanwhile, the opposition Living Forces of Guinea (FVG) alliance condemned the junta leader’s decision, describing it as “a disastrous turning point in our country’s history.”
“By entering the race, General Doumbouya has trampled on the solemn commitments he made not to run for president,” the coalition said in a statement, urging Guineans and the international community to reject his bid.
The December election is seen as a crucial test of Guinea’s commitment to returning to democratic governance after years of political uncertainty and economic hardship.
