Guinea’s military junta continues to delay the transition to democracy, missing a crucial deadline for elections set for early 2025. This has triggered protests met with violent state repression, including arrests and fatalities. The junta unjustly wields power, suppressing dissent and attacking media freedom, raising concerns about the establishment of a legitimate democratic government. International pressure is critical to restore democratic governance in Guinea.
Guinea’s military government, in power since September 2021, has repeatedly stalled the transition to democracy, missing another deadline for initiating electoral processes originally set for New Year’s Day 2025. Instead of tangible progress, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya promised an indefinite constitutional referendum, further frustrating public expectations, which led to protests against government inaction.
Subsequent demonstrations in January resulted in significant unrest in the capital, Conakry, where security forces responded with force, leading to numerous arrests and at least one fatality. Despite initial support following the overthrow of President Alpha Conde, the junta has increasingly silenced dissent and violated its own Transitional Charter, which promises a collaborative approach to defining the transition period.
The junta’s suppression has extended beyond political dissent; it included violent crackdowns on protests related to civic issues such as housing after a tragic oil depot explosion. High-profile arrests have targeted civil society leaders and opposition members advocating for democratic reforms. Additionally, journalists have faced violence and restrictions as the government tries to control narratives and public discourse.
Restrictions have broadened to include heavy censorship of media outlets; notable suspensions of news websites and arrests of journalists have occurred following critical coverage of corruption. Such actions indicate an ongoing assault on freedom of the press, and protests supporting journalists’ rights have been met with state violence, leading to multiple casualties and threats against activists.
The junta has shown its willingness to operate unilaterally, demonstrated by its dissolution of transitional governmental structures and arbitrary actions such as freezing bank accounts of former officials and sealing borders, despite public protests against economic issues. Guinea’s situation is part of a broader trend in multiple African nations experiencing military rule, where political power remains with the military despite promises for transitions back to civilian governance.
As the longest-serving military government in the current African context, pressure must mount for the junta to expedite a return to democracy. Should the junta continue its delay, it risks further entrenchment of its power, making a genuine election and transition to civilian rule increasingly improbable, unless significant international pressure is applied to ensure free elections.
The military junta in Guinea has significantly delayed the transition to democracy, suppressing protests and dissent while deteriorating media freedoms. Their unilateral actions and increasing repression have raised concerns about the future of democratic governance in the region. International organizations like ECOWAS and the African Union must intensify efforts to encourage the junta to commit to fair elections to restore democracy and provide hope for the Guinean populace.
Original Source: allafrica.com
