A COALITION of Guinean opposition groups, civil society organisations, and activists, known as the Forces Vives, issued a strong call on Tuesday for Guinea’s military junta to restore civilian rule by January 1. The junta, which took power in a 2021 coup, initially committed to a two-year transition period, yet with elections nowhere in sight, public dissatisfaction is mounting.
The West African nation, the world’s leading bauxite producer, has seen intermittent protests since Colonel Mamady Doumbouya assumed control. Demonstrations have erupted over the junta’s slow approach to democratic reform, with several clashes turning violent. Despite a pledge to return power to civilian authorities, the junta appears reluctant to act on that commitment.
In 2022, after negotiations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Guinea’s junta announced a transition timeline of up to two years, promising eventual elections. But while this timeline suggested elections by the end of 2024, recent delays have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and watchdogs alike.
The Forces Vives recently raised concerns about Doumbouya’s potential ambitions, noting the proposed new constitution, introduced by the transitional government in July, could pave the way for Doumbouya’s involvement in future elections. However, with no date set for a referendum on the constitution, much remains unclear.
‘Faced with this gloomy picture, the Forces Vives of Guinea solemnly call for unity of action and the mobilisation of all the nation’s living forces, both civilian and military, to demand the departure of the junta and the establishment of a civilian transition by January 1,’ the Forces Vives declared in a statement, urging both civilian and military groups to support their demands.
While the junta has remained quiet on calls to accelerate elections, pressure from opposition and regional blocs like ECOWAS continues to mount.
