Guinea’s military government has dissolved 40 political parties, including the country’s three main opposition groups, in a late-night decree that has drawn strong criticism from political activists and civil society.
The order was issued under the leadership of Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup. Since then, he has ruled the West African nation under military authority and was later elected president in December in a vote where major opposition leaders were barred from contesting.
Guinea’s Minister of Territorial Administration announced that the parties were dissolved for “failure to fulfil their obligations.” The decision also stripped the affected groups of their legal status and banned them from carrying out any political activities.
Among the parties dissolved are the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea, led by exiled opposition figure Cellou Dalein Diallo, the Rally of the Guinean People, associated with former president Alpha Condé, and the Union of Republican Forces.
The decree states that the parties immediately lose their legal recognition, including the right to use their logos, names, and political symbols. Their assets have also been placed under state control while authorities oversee their transfer.
Opposition groups and civil society organizations have condemned the move, calling it a step toward establishing a single-party state. Pro-democracy activists say the decision confirms fears that Guinea is moving further away from democratic governance.
Doumbouya, who overthrew Condé in 2021, recently oversaw the adoption of a new constitution that extended presidential terms from five to seven years and allowed members of the military junta to run for office.
Critics say the political environment in Guinea has become increasingly restrictive, with reports of arrests, disappearances, and intimidation targeting opposition figures and activists.
