Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya has dismissed 173 soldiers for alleged desertion, including a senior military officer who helped him overthrow former President Alpha Condé in the 2021 coup.
This was announced in a decree read on state television by the President’s spokesman, Gen Amara Camara, on Monday, August 24.
Among those affected is Col Michel Lamah, a former member of the Special Forces Group (GFS), the elite military unit previously commanded by Doumbouya.
Lamah became widely known after the September 2021 coup when he was photographed inside a vehicle carrying the ousted President Condé following his arrest.
Military Shake-Up
No details were provided on the circumstances surrounding the alleged desertion of the 173 military personnel. The affected officers and soldiers were drawn from different branches of the armed forces.
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The move is being viewed as part of President Doumbouya’s efforts to strengthen his control over the military and prevent possible challenges to his leadership.
Doumbouya seized power in 2021 after troops stormed the presidential palace and arrested Condé, who had secured a controversial third term the previous year following violent protests.
From Junta Leader to President
After taking power, Doumbouya pledged not to contest elections and promised to return Guinea to civilian rule.
He later reversed that position and contested the December presidential election, which he won by a landslide with 87% of the vote.
Since the coup, Guinea has faced criticism over restrictions on political activity and civil liberties. Several media organisations have been shut down, protests banned, while opposition figures and activists have been arrested or forced into exile.
Two major opposition parties, RPG Arc-en-Ciel and the UFDG, were also excluded from the presidential election.
Focus on Economic Transformation
Despite the political crackdown, Doumbouya’s government has promoted plans to transform Guinea’s mineral-rich economy by moving away from exporting raw materials towards greater local processing and industrial production.
The latest military dismissals could further reshape the country’s security establishment as Doumbouya consolidates his position after transitioning from military ruler to elected president.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.