The streets of Conakry came alive on Monday as Guinea’s junta leader, General Mamady Doumbouya, officially threw his hat into the presidential race. With armored vehicles leading his convoy and special forces flanking his every move, Doumbouya arrived at the Supreme Court to submit his candidacy ahead of the December 28 elections—a vote that could mark Guinea’s return to constitutional rule after four turbulent years of military leadership.
Thousands of supporters, waving flags and chanting his name, filled the air with excitement. They had journeyed from all corners of the country, some spending hours on dusty roads just to witness history unfold. To many, Doumbouya is still the strongman who brought stability after chaos. To others, he’s the soldier who promised democracy but clung tightly to power.
Guinea’s political history has always been a delicate dance between hope and upheaval. After Alpha Condé became the nation’s first democratically elected president in 2010, the country enjoyed a brief taste of civilian governance. But that hope was shattered in September 2021, when Doumbouya led a coup that toppled Condé’s government, citing corruption and failed leadership.
Since then, his regime has been marked by tight control and limited freedoms—protests banned, journalists silenced, and opposition leaders jailed or forced into exile. Yet, despite global criticism, Doumbouya has maintained a strong grip on the nation and a loyal following who see him as Guinea’s protector.
The new constitution, approved in September with nearly 89% of votes, set the stage for this election—and allowed Doumbouya to contest. Critics call it a political maneuver; his supporters call it destiny fulfilled. Among the other candidates is Makale Camara, a former foreign minister, who dismissed claims that their candidacies are merely to lend legitimacy to a prearranged outcome.
As Guinea stands at this crossroads once again, the world watches closely. Will this election mark a genuine return to democracy—or simply the rebirth of an old cycle in a new uniform? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Doumbouya’s name now officially sits on the ballot, and history is waiting to be written.
