Guinea’s main opposition leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo has called for “direct resistance” against the country’s leadership following the government’s decision to dissolve 40 political parties.
The development comes under the administration of President Mamady Doumbouya, who took power after a 2021 coup that removed former president Alpha Condé. Doumbouya later secured a seven-year presidential term in a December election contested by opposition groups.
Legislative elections are expected to take place in May in the West African country, which is rich in mineral resources such as bauxite and iron ore.
Guinea’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation announced in a decree late Friday the closure of the headquarters and local offices of 40 political parties. The decree also prohibited the use of their logos, acronyms and other identifying symbols.
Authorities said; “the parties were dissolved for failing to meet legal obligations, including the submission of financial statements.”
However, some of the affected groups have rejected the claims, stating that they complied with the requirements.
In a video message shared on social media on Sunday, Diallo said; “the action signalled heightened political tensions, describing it as a declaration of confrontation against political opponents of the government.”
Diallo, who is currently in exile, urged citizens to engage in “direct resistance,” without specifying the form it should take. He also stated that political change would not come through dialogue or democratic processes.
Diallo further accused the authorities of attempting to reshape the country’s political landscape by weakening opposition groups.
A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Among the dissolved parties is one linked to former President Alpha Condé, who has been living in exile since he was removed from power during the 2021 coup.
Guinea has experienced periods of political tension and violence in the past, including during the 2020 election, which Diallo claimed he won.
The December 2025 presidential election, however, proceeded without major security incidents.
Reuters