Guinea’s military rulers, in power since 2021 following a military coup, dissolved the country’s interim government. The declaration was read on state TV on Monday by General Amara Camara, the President’s Secretary General, without providing a clear explanation as to precisely why, and placing the country in a state of uncertainty.
The West African nation has remained under military control since President Alpha Conde was overthrown in September, 2021, and the junta, commanded by Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, has been facing criticism for failing to deliver on promises and for deteriorating economic conditions.
Tensions were heightened when Ibrahim Sory Bangoura, Chief of Army General Staff, announced that the present ministers’ passports would be suspended, their bank accounts would be frozen, and their assigned government-owned vehicles would be impounded.
Additionally, until all government ministries are completely ceded to the junta, security services have been ordered to seal all national borders.
Bernard Goumou, the Prime Minister nominated by coup leader, headed the disbanded government. Political analyst Misbaou Doumbouya highlighted the challenges faced by citizens, stating, “Today, life has become more expensive and more difficult. It is time for General Mamadi Doumbouya to assume his responsibilities.”
The spike in coups across the continent has been continually denounced by the international community, particularly the West African regional grouping ECOWAS, with calls for an urgent return to democratic governance in Guinea as well as in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon.