The military in Guinea, which seized power over two years ago, has announced the dissolution of the government in the West African nation and declared its intention to install a new administration.
In a late-night video statement on Monday, military leaders revealed that cabinet directors, secretary generals, and their deputies would assume interim control until the formation of a new government. The current government has been in office since July 2022.
Amara Camara, the presidency’s secretary general, delivered the unexpected news in the pre-recorded video, accompanied by other military officials and armed, masked soldiers. However, no reason was provided for the dissolution, leaving uncertainty about its immediate impact or the composition of the new government.
The military seized power in a coup in September 2021 following the ousting of Guinea’s first democratically elected president, Alpha Conde. Under international pressure, military leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya had pledged to return governance to elected civilians by the end of 2024.
Guinea experienced political turmoil triggered by Conde’s controversial bid for a third presidential term in 2020. Conde’s victory in an election marred by allegations of constitutional manipulation sparked widespread protests, resulting in numerous casualties and arrests.
The government had also detained several prominent opposition figures accused of instigating electoral violence.
Quest Cris-Edesiri Odjomah