Authorities in Guinea have dissolved 40 political parties, prompting a strong reaction from opposition leaders just months before the country’s legislative elections.
Leading opposition figure Cellou Dalein Diallo on Sunday called on citizens to mount “direct resistance” against the government. In a video message shared on social media, Diallo accused President Mamady Doumbouya of attempting to establish a one-party system by sidelining political rivals.
According to Diallo, the ruling authorities are trying to reshape the country’s political landscape by eliminating parties that could challenge Doumbouya’s growing dominance.
He urged Guineans to resist the government, although he did not specify the exact form such resistance should take. Diallo also argued that meaningful political change would not emerge through dialogue or the usual democratic processes.
Reports indicate that the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation issued a decree late Friday ordering the closure of the headquarters and local offices of 40 political parties nationwide.
The directive also barred the affected parties from using their logos, acronyms, or other identifying symbols. Authorities claimed the decision was taken because the parties failed to meet certain legal obligations, including submitting required financial reports.
However, several of the dissolved parties have rejected the allegations, insisting they complied with all legal requirements.
Doumbouya, a former commander of Guinea’s special forces, seized power in the 2021 Guinean coup d’état and later secured a controversial seven-year presidential term in December 2025. Opposition groups disputed the outcome of the election.
Legislative elections are scheduled for May in the mineral-rich West African country, which holds significant reserves of bauxite and iron ore.
Both Diallo and former president Alpha Condé—who was overthrown during the 2021 coup—are currently living in exile. Friday’s decree also dissolved Condé’s political party alongside the others.
The mass dissolution of opposition parties ahead of the planned elections has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Guinea and whether the upcoming polls will be free and fair under Doumbouya’s administration.