Guinea’s military ruler, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, has officially entered the presidential race, four years after seizing power in a coup. His decision marks a sharp reversal of an earlier pledge to hand over power to a civilian government.
Doumbouya submitted his candidacy at the Supreme Court on Monday, arriving in military fashion, flanked by soldiers and wearing his trademark dark sunglasses. He made no public statement during the brief appearance.
The move has intensified debate over Guinea’s political future, with critics accusing the junta leader of entrenching military rule under the guise of democracy.
Adding to the controversy, two of the country’s largest opposition parties, the Rassemblement du Peuple de Guinée – Arc-en-Ciel and the Union des Forces Démocratiques de Guinée, have been barred from contesting December’s election, prompting growing concern about the vote’s credibility both at home and abroad.
Doumbouya, who took power in 2021 after toppling former President Alpha Condé, has justified his rule as a necessary step to stabilise Guinea and “rebuild state institutions.” However, his decision to run is being seen by many as a test of the country’s democratic aspirations.
–ChannelAfrica–
