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Guinea's military ruler enters presidential race, breaking transition pledge
Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, Guinea's junta leader since a 2021 coup, formally registered as a presidential candidate on Monday, abandoning his earlier commitment to return power to civilians. The move casts doubt on the credibility of next month's election, already marred by the exclusion of major opposition parties and a steep candidate deposit fee.
Candidacy submission amid controversy
Doumbouya, 40, submitted his paperwork at the Supreme Court in Conakry, flanked by soldiers and wearing black sunglasses. He made no public remarks during the process. His decision to run follows the adoption of a new constitution-crafted under his rule-that permits his candidacy.
The election will proceed without key political figures, including ousted President Alpha Condé and former Prime Ministers Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Touré, all of whom remain in exile. Two of Guinea's largest opposition parties, RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG, have also been barred from participating.
Broken promises and rising costs
In 2021, Doumbouya had vowed not to seek office, declaring, "Neither I nor any member of this transition will be a candidate for anything... As soldiers, we value our word very much." His reversal comes as candidates face a record 875 million Guinean francs ($100,000; £75,000) deposit-slightly higher than the 800 million francs required in 2020-dashing hopes for a more inclusive race.
Analysts had anticipated a reduced fee to broaden participation in what were billed as Guinea's first post-junta elections. Instead, the financial barrier has reinforced skepticism about the poll's fairness.
Crackdown on dissent under junta rule
Since seizing power, Doumbouya's government has suppressed opposition through media suspensions, internet restrictions, and violent dispersal of protests. Critics note the irony: his coup justified ousting Condé over allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and economic failure-charges now leveled against his own administration.
Doumbouya, a former middle-ranking officer, rose to prominence after a 15-year military career that included deployments in Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, and the Central African Republic, as well as security details in Israel, Cyprus, and the UK. At 40, he is among Africa's youngest heads of state.
Outlook: A contested vote
The December election will unfold without several high-profile contenders, raising fears of further instability. International observers have yet to weigh in, but domestic opposition groups have already dismissed the process as flawed. Doumbouya's candidacy-backed by the military and a tailored constitution-suggests the junta intends to extend its grip on power indefinitely.
