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Gen Mamadi Doumbouya, Guinea’s military ruler since a 2021 coup, has entered next month’s presidential race, breaking his earlier promise to hand power to a civilian government. Doumbouya filed his candidacy at the Supreme Court, flanked by soldiers, but made no public statement. The election excludes major opposition parties RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG, raising concerns about fairness and credibility. Critics also note the high candidacy deposit of $100,000, which limits participation. General Doumbouya’s candidacy is enabled by a new constitution, which critics argue consolidates his power. Since seizing control, his junta has been accused of suppressing dissent through media suspensions and brutal crackdown on protests, actions that starkly contrast with the justifications he gave for overthrowing the previous government.
BBC