Raphael Kanu
Guinea’s ruling junta has suspended three major political parties — including the party of former President Alpha Condé — just weeks before a planned constitutional referendum.
According to an order seen by AFP on Saturday, the suspension will last three months and directly affects the Rally of the Guinean People (RPG), Condé’s party, along with two other opposition groups.
The move comes as opposition parties and civil society organisations prepare to stage demonstrations from September 5, accusing junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya of seeking to consolidate power under the guise of constitutional reform.
A national referendum on revising the constitution is scheduled for September 21, a process critics say is aimed at legitimising Doumbouya’s rule after seizing power in a 2021 coup.
Political analysts warn that the suspension of key parties could heighten tensions and undermine the credibility of the referendum. Meanwhile, civil society leaders have called on ECOWAS and the international community to intervene to prevent Guinea from sliding deeper into political instability.