Military Junta in Guinea Dissolves Government, Promises New Administration
Guinea’s military junta, which seized power in September 2021, has dissolved the government without providing clear reasons for the decision. The announcement was made through a presidential decree read on state TV by Brig Gen Amara Camara, the presidency’s Secretary General.
The West African nation has been under military rule since the coup led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who claimed the takeover was necessary to prevent further deterioration of the nation’s stability and criticized the previous administration for unfulfilled promises.
The dissolution comes at a critical juncture, as Guinea has been facing pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to swiftly transition to civilian governance. In October 2022, both the military leaders and ECOWAS agreed on a 24-month transition timeline, with elections scheduled for 2025.
In a video address on Monday night, Gen. Amara Camara assured the public that daily business would continue as usual under deputy secretary generals until a new government was formed. Simultaneously, Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, chief of staff of the armed forces, instructed members of the dissolved government to promptly surrender state-owned vehicles and passports. Additionally, bodyguards’ services were to be discontinued, and ministers’ bank accounts were temporarily frozen.
Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, responsible for the 2021 coup, justified the takeover as a measure to prevent Guinea from slipping into chaos. However, his tenure has faced scrutiny, with critics asserting inefficacy and challenging his ability to fulfill promises made during the overthrow.
Political analyst Misbaou Doumbouya commented on the current situation, emphasizing the worsened living conditions and urging Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya to take decisive action.
The international community, including ECOWAS, has strongly condemned the series of coups in West and Central Africa, and Guinea is expected to hold elections in 10 months to restore democratic rule, in accordance with the agreed-upon transition period. The dissolution adds to the uncertainty surrounding the nation’s future, with no immediate clarity on the impact or the composition of the new government. The unfolding developments will be closely monitored as Guinea navigates through this challenging period.
