The main opposition leader in Guinea, Cellou Dalein Diallo, has urged citizens to engage in what he described as “direct resistance” against the country’s military leader-turned-president, Mamady Doumbouya, following the government’s decision to dissolve dozens of political parties.
President Doumbouya, a former special forces commander, took power in a 2021 coup and was later declared the winner of a seven-year presidential term in a December 2025 election that opposition groups have disputed. The country is also preparing for legislative elections scheduled for May.
In a decree issued late Friday, the Guinea’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization announced the dissolution of 40 political parties. The directive also ordered the closure of their national and local offices and prohibited the use of their logos, acronyms, and other identifying symbols.
Authorities said the affected parties had failed to comply with legal requirements, including the submission of financial reports. However, several of the dissolved groups have rejected the claims, insisting they had met all regulatory obligations.
In a video message posted on social media on Sunday, Diallo accused the government of declaring “war” on its political opponents and argued that meaningful political change in the country would not be achieved through dialogue or the existing democratic process.
He further alleged that the leadership was attempting to reshape Guinea’s political landscape by sidelining opposition forces and moving toward a one-party state.
A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Diallo is currently living in exile, as is former president Alpha Condé, whom Doumbouya removed from power during the 2021 military takeover. Condé’s political party was also among those dissolved.
Guinea has experienced recurring political tensions and episodes of violence, including during the disputed 2020 presidential election, which Diallo has claimed he won. However, the December 2025 election proceeded under tight control and was largely free of major security incidents.
