In a surprising turn of events, Guinea’s junta leader, General Mamadi Doumbouya, has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for December 28, 2024. This move contradicts his earlier commitment to refrain from seeking office after leading a military coup in September 2021. Since assuming power, Doumbouya has served as both the junta leader and interim president, and a victory in the election could extend his leadership for another seven years. The election will be conducted under a new constitution, recently approved via referendum, which permits junta members to run for office and extends the presidential term from five to seven years. Guinea joins a growing list of African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where military leaders who seized power have backtracked on promises to restore democracy. Doumbouya’s candidacy comes amidst a weakened opposition, with key leaders like Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Toure forced into exile and their parties unlikely to participate in the election. Additionally, the junta has established a new electoral body, with its heads to be appointed by decree, further consolidating Doumbouya’s position.
Guinea’s junta leader decides to run for president 4 years after leading a coup
