One of Guinea’s two leading political parties announced on Friday that it was lodging an appeal with the Supreme Court after the ruling military junta barred it from holding a planned congress this weekend.
The Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) revealed it had been ordered in late June to “suspend, without delay” the gathering of its leaders, which had been scheduled for Sunday in Conakry. This directive came via a letter from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation.
Guinea’s military rulers, who seized power in 2021, have frequently been accused of suppressing free expression and silencing dissent.
In a statement, the UFDG’s national leadership condemned the ministry’s move, saying it “constitutes a serious violation of the rule of law, the freedoms of association and assembly, as well as the autonomy of the political parties”. The party added that it would suspend preparations for the congress while awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The congress was intended to bring together representatives across the UFDG’s hierarchy, from the central committee to its youth leadership.
Authorities claimed that the party had not respected the deadlines for organising the meeting, including submitting required documents, and that it had altered the agenda—among other grievances.
Opposition groups have repeatedly accused General Mamady Doumbouya’s junta of tightening its grip on power and escalating repression. Numerous opponents of the military government have either been detained or driven into exile. The junta has also banned protests, disbanded a pro-democracy movement, and stripped independent media outlets of their broadcasting licences.
Following international pressure, the junta had initially promised to hold a constitutional referendum and hand power back to elected civilians by the end of 2024. Neither pledge has so far been fulfilled. However, Doumbouya has declared that 2025 will be “a crucial electoral year” and has announced a constitutional referendum for September.
In mid-May, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah vowed to “do everything” to ensure presidential and legislative elections take place in December.
After toppling President Alpha Condé in 2021, Doumbouya pledged not to run in any future elections. The transitional charter drafted by the military bars junta members from contesting polls. Yet, with a new constitution on the horizon, many fear it could open the door for Doumbouya to stand for office.
