GUINEA’S main opposition coalition, Forces Vives de Guinée, has urged its members to withdraw from the National Transitional Council (NTC) after the ruling junta failed to meet its promised deadline for a return to democratic governance. AP reports that the decision, announced in a statement late Wednesday, further escalates tensions in the West African nation, which has been under military rule since 2021.
Junta’s failure sparks protests
The ruling junta, led by Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, seized power in September 2021 and later pledged to transition back to civilian rule by December 31, 2024. However, as the deadline passed without concrete action, opposition groups and activists launched protests that brought the capital, Conakry, to a standstill last week.
In his New Year’s address, Doumbouya sought to ease concerns by announcing plans for a constitutional referendum, but he stopped short of setting a date. Opposition groups, however, dismissed the move as a delaying tactic to extend military rule.
Political crackdown deepens
The junta has increasingly clamped down on opposition forces and independent media, according to rights groups. More than 50 political parties were dissolved last year, with authorities claiming the measure was necessary to ‘clean up the political chessboard.’ Meanwhile, social media platforms, private radio stations, and news websites have faced frequent shutdowns, and journalists have reported intimidation, arrests, and attacks.
Opposition’s stand against military rule
The National Transitional Council, which has acted as Guinea’s de facto parliament, was established by the junta and comprises 81 appointed members, including representatives from political parties, unions, security forces, and business leaders. The Forces Vives de Guinée coalition, which includes major opposition groups such as the Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), holds three seats in the council.
The coalition’s call for withdrawal is seen as a direct challenge to the military’s tightening grip on power, as the opposition pushes for a clear timeline for democratic elections.
With political tensions escalating and international pressure mounting, Guinea’s future remains uncertain as opposition leaders demand urgent action to restore civilian governance.
