Guinea Junta Leader Presidential Frontrunner – Opposition Fury

Here’s a breakdown of the key details from the provided ⁣text:

* Guinea’s Upcoming Election: Guinea is preparing for a presidential election, which, if it proceeds, will⁢ be the first in any of the junta-run West African states as ⁣2020.
* ⁤ Doumbouya’s Candidacy: The current leader, General Mamady⁤ doumbouya (who came too power thru a coup), is running for president. This is seen⁤ by some as a betrayal of promises to restore democracy.
* Opposition Suppression: the election is widely seen⁤ as unfair due to ⁢the suppression of the ⁢opposition. Major opposition parties‍ are suspended, leaders are detained, barred from running, or in exile. A⁤ “climate of fear” exists.
* Regional context: West Africa has experienced a wave of ‌coups (“coup ⁣belt”). Burkina ⁢Faso, Mali, ​and Niger (also under military rule) have broken away​ from the regional⁤ bloc ‍ECOWAS, forming a pro-Russian alliance (AES) ⁢in protest of sanctions.
*​ Doumbouya’s Position: Doumbouya has consolidated power since​ taking over, even promoting​ himself to a general. Many⁣ believe his victory is assured.
* Criticism: ⁣de Guinée has called ‍Doumbouya’s candidacy a ⁢betrayal, stating he’s become the “gravedigger” of democracy.

In essence, the ⁢article paints a⁢ picture of an election taking place under highly questionable circumstances, wiht a strong incumbent and a severely⁣ weakened opposition, set against a⁣ backdrop of political instability​ in​ the wider region.