By Peter Omopo
Guinea’s ruling military junta has suspended three major political parties, including the party of former President Alpha Condé, just weeks before a national referendum on constitutional reforms.
According to an order obtained by AFP on Saturday, the suspension will last three months and coincides with preparations for the September 21 referendum aimed at revising the country’s constitution.
The decision comes as opposition parties and civil society groups prepare to stage demonstrations beginning September 5. The protests are intended to denounce what they describe as a bid by junta leader, General Mamadi Doumbouya, to consolidate power.
The suspension affects some of the country’s most influential political actors, raising concerns about the fairness of the upcoming referendum and the broader political transition in the West African nation.
