Guinea’s ruling military junta has suspended three of the country’s most prominent political parties for three months, just weeks before a highly contested referendum on a new constitution.
The suspension affects the Rally of the Guinean People, the party of former president Alpha Conde; the Union of Democratic Forces, led by former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo; and the Party of Renewal and Progress.
All three groups have been central to Guinea’s political life for decades and were expected to mobilize strongly against the junta’s plans.
The referendum, scheduled for September 21, seeks to replace the existing constitution.
Critics believe the reforms could create a pathway for junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya to run for the presidency, despite earlier promises and legal provisions preventing coup leaders from contesting elections.
Doumbouya came to power in September 2021 after toppling Conde, who himself had faced criticism for extending his rule through a controversial third term.
Opposition parties and civil society movements have called for mass demonstrations beginning September 5, accusing the junta of trying to cement power rather than guiding the country toward democratic transition.
However, since 2022 the military government has banned street protests and used security forces to suppress dissent. Many opposition leaders have been arrested, silenced, or forced into exile.
This is not the first wave of political repression under Doumbouya. Earlier this year, dozens of smaller parties were either dissolved or suspended for failing to comply with new government regulations seen by critics as politically motivated.
International rights organizations have strongly condemned the clampdown, warning that Guinea’s fragile democratic gains are at risk of being reversed.
They argue that the suspension of opposition parties just ahead of the referendum further undermines the credibility of the political process.
With the country approaching a decisive vote, Guinea faces deep uncertainty.
The coming weeks will test whether the junta is willing to open political space or whether it will continue consolidating control at the expense of democratic freedoms.