Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, has scheduled a constitutional referendum for September 21, 2025, in what could be a key step toward restoring civilian rule. The announcement was made via a decree read on state television Tuesday evening.
Doumbouya, who took power in a September 2021 coup, initially proposed a two-year transition to elections in 2022 but failed to follow through with organizing a vote. The country missed its December 31, 2024, deadline for restoring civilian governance.
Guinea, a key producer of bauxite and iron ore, is among several West African nations where military governments have delayed transitions back to democracy.
In July 2024, the ruling junta unveiled a draft constitution that could allow Doumbouya to run in the next presidential election. Authorities have indicated that the referendum must take place before any general elections or return to constitutional rule.
Meanwhile, political opposition remains stifled. Guinea’s two former ruling parties are currently suspended, while the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), another major opposition party, is under surveillance.
