Guinea Military Government Suspends Three Major Parties Ahead of Constitutional Referendum

Guinea's military government has suspended the country's three main opposition parties—the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), the Rally of the Guinean People (RPG), and the Party of Renewal and Progress (PRP)—for a period of 90 days ahead of a constitutional referendum scheduled for September 21. The suspension prohibits these parties from political activities, including meetings and demonstrations, under allegations of non-compliance with the Guinean Charter of Political Parties, such as failing to notify changes in management and meet financial regulations. This move comes amid growing tensions, with opposition groups and civil society planning mass protests to denounce what they view as a power grab by junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup. The draft constitution, which the opposition rejects, is seen as a mechanism allowing Doumbouya to extend his rule, raising concerns over the true return to civilian governance. The official campaign for the referendum has also been postponed to August 31, intensifying political uncertainty. The junta's actions underscore the escalating conflict between the military government and opposition forces as Guinea approaches the referendum.