In a surprising turn of events, the military junta in Guinea decreed the dissolution of the government on Monday.
The government, which had been in office since July 2022, was dissolved without any given reason or a specified date for the announcement of a new government. The decree was made public through a Facebook video published by the presidency.
General Amara Camara, a spokesman for the junta, made the announcement surrounded by around 20 uniformed soldiers, some of whom were wearing masks and carrying weapons. He stated, “The government is dissolved. Current affairs will be managed by the cabinet directors, secretary generals and deputy secretary generals until a new government is put in place."
Since September 2021, Guinea has been under the rule of a military junta that overthrew the country's first democratically-elected president. Under international pressure, the junta leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has promised to return the reins of government to elected civilians by the end of 2024.
The military has stated that this so-called transitional period would allow it to implement far-reaching reforms in Guinea, a country that remains impoverished despite its considerable natural resources.
However, the opposition has accused the junta of drifting towards authoritarianism. It has banned all demonstrations since 2022 and has arrested several opposition leaders, civil society members, and members of the press. Furthermore, internet access has been restricted for several weeks, adding to the growing concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in the country.