Guinea Suspends Opposition Parties Ahead of Key Constitutional Referendum
Guinea’s ruling military government has suspended the country’s three largest opposition parties just weeks before a highly anticipated constitutional referendum, sparking widespread concerns over the state of democracy in the West African nation.
The suspension, announced Saturday, affects the Rally of the Guinean People (the party of former President Alpha Condé), the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (led by former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo), and the Party of Renewal and Progress. According to the official decree, the suspension will last 90 days, effective immediately, due to the parties’ alleged failure to meet required obligations.
Election Campaign Delayed, Opposition Silenced
In a separate announcement aired on state television late Friday, the military government also confirmed a one-week delay in the start of the constitutional referendum campaign, moving the launch date to August 31, 2025. The referendum itself is scheduled for September 21.
Although political groups are now allowed to promote their positions on the proposed constitutional changes, the ban prevents key opposition parties from participating in campaign activities, both offline and online.
Opposition Accuses Government of Power Grab
The decision has triggered outrage among Guinea’s opposition leaders and civil society groups, many of whom were planning mass demonstrations starting September 5 to protest what they describe as an ongoing power grab by military leader General Mamady Doumbouya.
Doumbouya seized power in a military coup in September 2021, ousting long-time President Alpha Condé after a decade in office. Upon taking control, Doumbouya promised a transition to civilian rule, pledging to strengthen democracy and expand space for political participation.
However, critics say the recent suspensions directly contradict those promises. Speaking from Dakar, Al Jazeera correspondent Nicolas Haque reported that many opposition leaders feel this move silences their voices, restricting their ability to campaign, post on social media, or engage with the public.
“It strips away any pretence that the transition was actually working to protect democracy,” Haque said. “It feels for them like a clamping down on their voice.”
He also warned that the crackdown is likely to provoke further unrest, saying, “We’re going to see more people going out on the streets, confronting the security forces.”
Constitutional Uncertainty and Leadership Questions
A draft version of the new constitution was submitted to General Doumbouya in June. While it lays the groundwork for a return to civilian governance, the document does not clarify whether Doumbouya will be allowed to run in future elections.
Notably, the original transition charter put in place by the military shortly after the 2021 coup had explicitly barred coup leaders, government officials, and institutional heads from standing as candidates. Analysts fear the new constitution may remove that safeguard—potentially paving the way for Doumbouya to remain in power.
Guinea, which has endured decades of authoritarian rule, now faces a critical crossroads. The upcoming constitutional referendum, the suspension of opposition parties, and rising tensions on the streets could determine the country's democratic future.