Military Leader of Guinea Announces Candidacy for Presidential Elections

Wed Dec 17 2025 20:04:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Col Mamadi Doumbouya, the military ruler of Guinea, has officially entered the presidential race, defying earlier commitments to return power to civilian leadership. His candidacy raises questions about the election's integrity amid significant opposition exclusions.

Col Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a coup four years ago, has submitted his presidential candidacy, contradicting his previous promise to restore civilian governance. The election, set for December, is marred by controversies including the exclusion of major opposition parties and steep financial barriers for candidates. Doumbouya’s tenure has seen crackdowns on political dissent, leading to concerns about the election's credibility.

The military commander who has ruled Guinea since a coup four years ago has entered the presidential race, breaking an earlier promise to hand power to a civilian government.

Col Mamadi Doumbouya submitted his candidacy at the Supreme Court on Monday, flanked by soldiers and wearing black sunglasses. He did not make any public comment.

Two of Guinea's biggest opposition parties - RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG - have been excluded from December's contest, raising concerns about the election's credibility.

Guineans had reacted with shock last month when it was announced that presidential candidates would need to pay a deposit of 875m Guinean francs ($100,000; £75,000) to contest the election. Previous deposits were almost as high, but analysts had hoped for a reduction to encourage broader participation.

Four years ago, Col Doumbouya had pledged to hand power back to civilians, stating, 'Neither I nor any member of this transition will be a candidate for anything... As soldiers, we value our word very much.'

The election will be held under a new constitution, which permits Col Doumbouya to run for the presidency. His rule has seen a crackdown on peaceful dissent, suspension of media outlets, and restrictions on internet access.

Many notable political figures, including former President Alpha Condé and several former Prime Ministers, will be absent from the election, further complicating the political landscape.