Guinea’s Junta Suspends Three Main Political Parties Ahead of Referendum

Tensions are rising in Guinea after the country’s ruling military junta announced the suspension of three major political parties for a period of three months.

The decision, made public through an official order on Saturday, has ignited widespread criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who see it as a calculated move to tighten control ahead of the long-delayed transition to democratic rule.

Among the parties affected is the Rally of the Guinean People (RPG), the political movement of former president Alpha Condé, who was removed from power in the September 2021 coup.

The suspension also targets two other opposition parties with significant national followings, further deepening concerns that the junta is deliberately sidelining its strongest rivals at a critical political moment.

Authorities have defended the measure, insisting that it is necessary to preserve public order and ensure a smooth campaign period as the country prepares for a constitutional referendum on September 21, 2025.

The referendum has been presented by the junta as a crucial step toward restoring constitutional rule. Officials argue that adopting a new charter will pave the way for legislative and presidential elections now scheduled for December 2025.

However, critics remain skeptical, warning that the proposed constitution could be crafted to favor the current military leadership and open the door for junta figures to secure political power through the ballot box.

For many opposition leaders, the suspension of political parties is further evidence that the authorities intend to manage the transition process in their own favor rather than in the interests of the Guinean people.

The announcement comes at a particularly volatile time, as opposition parties and civil society organisations have been mobilising for nationwide demonstrations set to begin on September 5.

These protests are aimed at challenging what activists describe as a “climate of repression” marked by restrictions on political activities, harassment of journalists, and the detention of critics.

Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly raised the alarm about shrinking civic space in Guinea, warning that the government’s heavy-handed tactics threaten the credibility of the entire transition process.

Since coming to power nearly four years ago, General Mamadi Doumbouya and his junta have repeatedly promised to hand back power to an elected civilian government. Initially, the transition was expected to be completed by December 2024, but that deadline passed without elections.

Instead, the authorities shifted focus to the constitutional referendum, presenting it as a foundation for national renewal.

For many Guineans, however, hopes for a quick and transparent return to democracy have steadily dimmed in the face of political bans, arrests, and the lack of clarity around the future political role of the military leaders.

The crisis has also drawn attention from regional and international stakeholders. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged the junta to respect its commitments to the transition timetable, while international observers have emphasized the importance of inclusive participation in order to guarantee credible elections.

Analysts warn that further repression could deepen Guinea’s political isolation and undermine confidence among investors in the country’s mineral-rich economy, which is heavily dependent on foreign partnerships.

As Guinea moves toward the referendum, the coming weeks are expected to be decisive. If the government allows open debate, fair campaigning, and independent monitoring, it could help restore some level of confidence in the process.

However, if the suspension of opposition parties is followed by further crackdowns on protests and dissent, the country may be pushed into deeper political uncertainty.

For now, the junta’s latest move has heightened suspicion among its critics and placed Guinea’s democratic future under even greater scrutiny.