Guinea Three Years After the Coup: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Regression

On September 5, 2021, General Mamady Doumbouya seized power in Guinea Conakry, overthrowing President Alpha Condé. Many Guineans saw him as a savior, but three years later, the question remains: is Guinea better off? The answer is complex.

While General Doumbouya’s initial promise of change and reform was welcomed, his rule has been marked by authoritarian tendencies. Freedom of expression and the press have been curtailed, with media outlets closed or suspended and internet access restricted. Public demonstrations have been banned, and civil society actors have faced significant challenges. The National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), a key player in promoting human rights, has been dissolved.

Furthermore, General Doumbouya has given himself an additional three years in power without providing a clear timeline for elections. This move has raised concerns about his commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. The standard of living for Guineans has also deteriorated, with social unrest and protests breaking out in February, prompting the government’s dissolution.

However, it is essential to acknowledge some positive developments under General Doumbouya’s leadership. The trial of the 2009 massacre, which had stalled for over a decade, has finally been held. Ongoing administrative reforms also offer hope for improved governance and accountability.

As Guinea marks the third anniversary of the National Council for the Rally for Development (CNRD), it is an opportunity for introspection. The country’s transformation is a work in progress, and while challenges persist, there are also reasons to be optimistic. The path forward requires a commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law.

Author: Edoé MENSAH-DOMKPIN