Guinea’s military leader, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, has officially entered the presidential race, breaking his earlier promise to hand power to a civilian government. Doumbouya, 40, submitted his candidacy at the Supreme Court on November 3, 2025, surrounded by special forces and wearing black sunglasses.
He didn’t make any public comment after submitting his documents. The move has sparked controversy, with critics accusing Doumbouya of entrenching military rule under the guise of democracy.
Two major opposition parties, RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG, have been barred from contesting the December 28 election, raising concerns about the vote’s credibility .
Doumbouya seized power in 2021, citing corruption and economic mismanagement by former President Alpha Condé. A new constitution, approved in September 2025, allows Doumbouya to run for president, overriding a provision that barred military government members from seeking office .
Other candidates, including former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate and former Foreign Minister Hadja Makale Camara, have also filed to run. The election’s outcome is uncertain, with Guinea’s human rights record and economic challenges under scrutiny .
