Guinea’s top opposition leader has strongly condemned his country’s government following the dissolution of 40 political organizations, claiming the move represents an effort to establish a single-party system.
On Friday, Guinea’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization announced it was eliminating the political parties due to their alleged failure to fulfill required obligations. The official order removes the organizations’ legal recognition and prohibits all political activities, including displaying their names, symbols, logos, and other identifying marks.
In a Facebook video posted Sunday, Cellou Dalein Diallo, who heads the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea opposition party that was among those dissolved, criticized President Mamadi Doumbouya for attempting to eliminate political competition to create a single-party system.
“I urge the leaders, activists and supporters of the UFDG, and all Guineans who cherish liberty and justice, to rise as one and use every means to bring an end to this exceptional regime that has lasted far too long,” Diallo stated, noting that peaceful negotiations and court challenges appear unlikely to produce meaningful political reform.
President Doumbouya assumed power following a military takeover in 2021 and won election in December during a contest that excluded all significant opposition candidates. Throughout his leadership, multiple political organizations and news outlets have faced suspension, while various opposition figures and civil rights advocates have been detained or fled the country.
Friday’s dissolution targeted several major political organizations, including Diallo’s group, the Rally of the Guinean People formerly led by ex-President Alpha Condé, and the Union of Republican Forces headed by opposition politician Sidya Touré. All three party leaders currently live outside Guinea.
These organizations had previously been suspended in August for allegedly violating the nation’s political party regulations, just before a constitutional referendum that permitted the military leader to seek the presidency.
Guinea joins multiple West African nations that have experienced military takeovers or attempted coups since 2020, as military leaders have capitalized on public frustration with security problems, economic struggles, and contested elections to seize control.
