Guinea’s opposition has dismissed the junta’s plan to hold a constitutional referendum in September, labelling it a “diversionary manoeuvre” aimed at deflecting attention from the lack of real progress toward democratic elections.
The military-led government, which seized power in 2021 and suspended the previous constitution, announced late Tuesday that the referendum would take place on September 21. The junta has framed this as a step toward returning Guinea to civilian rule.
However, critics remain sceptical, pointing out that the military had already missed a previous deadline to transition power by the end of 2023. Despite international pressure, there is still no timeline for parliamentary or presidential elections.
The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy (ANAD), an opposition coalition led by former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, strongly questioned the credibility of the junta’s move.
Credit: JOHN WESSELS / AFP
“Far from being a step towards normalisation, this is nothing more than a diversionary tactic to conceal the junta’s lack of commitment to organising free elections,” ANAD said in a statement.
The coalition also highlighted that the draft constitution was still under expert review and that the conditions for a credible election did not exist.
Opposition leader Lansana Faya Millimouno echoed these concerns, warning that simply announcing a date for the referendum did not guarantee it would happen.
“In the past, many promises have been made and never kept,” Millimouno told AFP.
Junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya had pledged in his New Year address that 2025 would be an important electoral year, but with no clear roadmap for presidential or legislative elections, opposition groups remain doubtful about the military’s true intentions.
The political uncertainty in Guinea comes amid wider regional instability, with several West African nations under military rule facing pressure to restore civilian governance.
