Guinea on lockdown as protests erupt over junta’s missed democracy deadline

Demonstrations have resulted in one death and hundreds of arrests, intensifying tensions in Guinea, a West African nation, Report informs via Euronews.

Parts of Guinea’s capital were in lockdown as opposition groups and civil society protested the ruling junta’s failure to meet its deadline to initiate a transition to democracy.

The US has called for clear timelines to hold long-overdue elections.

Guinea, one of several West African nations under military rule, has faced delays in returning to civilian governance since Colonel Mamady Doumbouya seized power in 2021.

In 2022, Doumbouya agreed to begin the democratic transition by 31 December 2024. However, last Thursday's deadline passed without action.

In a New Year’s address, Doumbouya announced plans for a constitutional referendum to kickstart the transition but did not commit to a specific date.

Activists and opposition groups dismissed the announcement as a tactic to extend military rule.

The Forces Vives de Guinée coalition called on Guineans to observe a stay-at-home protest, accusing the junta of holding the nation “hostage”.

The group reported that one protester was fatally shot, and hundreds, primarily young people, were arrested during demonstrations. Authorities have not commented on the unrest.

The US State Department urged Guinea’s leadership to take concrete steps toward democracy, emphasising the need for inclusivity.

“The United States is concerned that Guinea has not met its 1 January 2025 target date to launch its democratic transition and calls on the Guinean government to undertake a transparent and inclusive process that engages all Guineans,” the department stated.

Concerns about election credibility persist. The junta dissolved over 50 political parties last year, claiming it was necessary to “clean up the political chessboard.”

Rights groups also report increasing restrictions on independent media, with social networks and private radio stations being cut off, information sites suspended, and journalists facing intimidation and arrests.