General Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of Guinea, addressed the nation on Tuesday, declaring 2025 as a pivotal year for the country’s return to constitutional order. While Doumbouya stressed the importance of holding elections and a constitutional referendum, he did not provide specific details or a timeline for these processes.
Doumbouya, who assumed power in a military coup that ousted President Alpha Conde in September 2021, has faced mounting criticism for delays in returning the country to civilian rule. Despite international pressure, the government has not yet followed through on plans to hold a constitutional referendum or hand over power to elected civilian leaders by the end of 2024.
In his speech, Doumbouya confirmed that he would issue a decree in the first quarter of 2025 to announce the date for the long-awaited constitutional referendum. He also indicated that work would continue throughout the year to establish the framework for general elections once the electoral code is finalized.
However, political tensions remain high across Guinea. Opposition groups and civil society organizations have called for protests in Conakry on January 6, demanding the departure of the current leadership and the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government. These calls reflect growing frustration among many citizens who feel that the political process has been stalled.
Since taking power, opposition figures have been subjected to significant repression, with many detained, brought before the courts, or forced into exile. In recent months, two former high-ranking military officers and a doctor died under suspicious circumstances following their arrests, raising concerns over the treatment of detainees.
Earlier this month, a journalist from the Lerevelateur224 website was detained by armed men in military uniforms on the outskirts of Conakry. His current whereabouts remain unknown, according to his legal team and press unions, sparking calls for his release.
In the latest development, opposition leader Aliou Bah was arrested last week, along with two colleagues, while traveling to Sierra Leone. They are accused of insulting Doumbouya. Bah’s trial, which began on Tuesday, is set to continue on January 2.
As Guinea faces a critical moment in its political journey, the international community is closely monitoring developments, particularly the pace of progress toward a return to constitutional governance and the restoration of civilian rule.