Guinea’s junta has suspended three major opposition parties ahead of a constitutional referendum, sparking accusations of a political crackdown.
Guinea’s ruling junta has suspended three major opposition parties, including that of former president Alpha Conde, for three months ahead of a constitutional referendum, an order seen by AFP confirmed on Saturday.
The suspension affects Conde’s Rally of the Guinean People, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea led by ex-prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, and the Party of Renewal and Progress. The junta claimed, “These parties have not fulfilled the obligations required of them,” without specifying the breaches.
The move comes before opposition-led protests on September 5, denouncing what they call a power grab by junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya. The referendum, now scheduled for September 21, could allow Doumbouya to contest future elections, despite a transition charter barring junta leaders from running.
Rights groups accuse the junta of stifling dissent through bans on protests and the prosecution or exile of opponents since seizing power in 2021.