Guinea’s military junta dissolves the government and closes the country’s borders

Guinea’s military junta, which took control of the country through a coup in September 2021, has announced the dissolution of the government. The announcement came through a presidential decree read on state television on Monday by Brig. Gen. Amara Camara, the Secretary General of the Presidency.

Brig. Gen. Camara did not provide a specific reason for the dissolution of the government, nor did he indicate when a new government would be established. However, he stated that ministers in the dissolved government were instructed to surrender their passports and official vehicles, and their bank accounts have been frozen.

Furthermore, the junta ordered security agencies to seal all of Guinea’s borders until government ministries are fully handed over to the military leadership. Lower-level officials will temporarily manage state ministries until a new government is appointed, according to Mr. Camara.

The government that was dissolved had been led by Prime Minister Bernard Goumou, appointed by coup leader Mamady Doumbouya. The coup occurred in September 2021, led by Col. Doumbouya, who orchestrated the overthrow of elected President Alpha Condé following protests over Condé’s controversial bid for a third term.

Guinea joins several other countries in West and central Africa that have experienced coups in recent years, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon. These coups have faced condemnation from regional organizations such as the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, as well as the African Union and the United Nations.

According to the junta and ECOWAS, Guinea is expected to hold elections to restore democratic rule within 10 months, coinciding with the 24-month transition period agreed upon by both parties.