Junta-ruled Guinea sets referendum for September in potential step to democracy

By Saliou Samb

CONAKRY (Reuters) - Guinea's military leader has set September 21, 2025, as the date for a constitutional referendum, according to a decree read out on state television on Tuesday evening, in a potential first step towards returning to constitutional democracy.

Mamady Doumbouya seized power in a coup in September 2021, and in 2022 proposed a two-year transition to elections but then did not take steps to organise a vote.

Guinea, a bauxite and iron ore-producer, is one of several West African countries where the military has taken power and stalled a return to civilian rule.

It missed a December 31, 2024 deadline that military authorities had set for a return to a civilian administration.

In July 2024 the junta presented a draft of a new constitution which may allow Doumbouya to participate in the next presidential election.

Authorities have said a referendum on the draft constitution would be a precursor to any election and a return to constitutional rule.

Guinea's two former ruling parties are currently suspended.

The other major opposition party, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), has been placed under surveillance.

(Reporting by Saliou Samb; Editing by Portia Crowe and Ros Russell)

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