In a New Year’s address on his official Facebook page, ousted Guinean President Alpha Condé declared himself the legitimate leader of Guinea and launched a blistering critique of the military junta led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya. On January 1, 2025, Condé condemned the junta for failing to return Guinea to constitutional rule and accused its leadership of undermining the nation’s democratic values. His statement is a stark reminder of the lingering political tensions that have gripped Guinea since his removal from office in 2021.
Condé opened his message by recalling the promises made by the junta to restore constitutional governance by the end of 2024, which he described as empty commitments made to appease the Guinean people, ECOWAS, and the international community. He accused Doumbouya’s regime of deceiving the public and plunging the country into deeper political and social instability. According to Condé, the junta’s actions reflect a pattern of dishonesty and betrayal that has eroded trust and undermined the aspirations of the Guinean people.
The former president did not hold back in his critique of Doumbouya, referring to him as a “former French legionnaire” who now leads what Condé called a “lawless and faithless mafia clique.” He alleged that the junta’s governance has led to widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. These actions, he argued, have not only violated fundamental freedoms but have also fueled fear and mistrust among citizens.
Condé cited specific examples of individuals who have suffered under the junta’s rule, including activists like Fonike Mangue and journalists like Ramatoulaye Diallo, who have faced intimidation and arrests. He also mentioned high-profile cases such as the murder of General Sadiba Coulibaly and the disappearance of Nimaga, the former Secretary-General of Mines, accusing the junta of orchestrating these crimes to consolidate its grip on power. Such incidents, he said, reflect a regime that thrives on fear and violence rather than the rule of law.
Economic mismanagement is also prominently featured in Condé’s address. He criticized the junta for handling Guinea’s natural resources, particularly its alleged violations of the mining code during negotiations over the exploitation of Mount Nimba. Condé argued that such actions betray the country’s economic potential, reducing it to precariousness and poverty. He blamed rising inflation and the high cost of living on the junta’s incompetence, asserting that its failure to address these challenges has left ordinary Guineans struggling to survive.
The former president also accused Doumbouya of fostering a cult of personality, using state-sponsored sporting events to divert attention from the nation’s problems and bolster his image ahead of an anticipated presidential run. Condé condemned these tactics as a waste of resources and a distraction from the country’s urgent issues. He argued that such maneuvers reveal the regime’s desperation to maintain power, even as public discontent grows.
Condé expressed deep concern over the militarization of public spaces and the deployment of troops along Guinea’s borders, which he described as unjustified and alarming. He suggested that these measures are part of a broader strategy to intimidate the population and suppress dissent. According to Condé, the junta’s reliance on military force reflects its inability to govern through legitimate and democratic means.
The ousted president also highlighted the social consequences of the junta’s actions, pointing to the dismissal of civil and military servants without due process and the growing segregation within Guinea’s armed forces and police. He argued that these practices have undermined social cohesion and further deepened divisions within the country. Condé warned that such policies threaten the stability of Guinea and jeopardize its prospects for unity and progress.
In his address, Condé extended his condolences to the victims of violence in Nzérékoré, vowing to seek justice for those who have suffered under the junta’s rule. He called for international attention to these atrocities, emphasizing the need for accountability and redress. Condé framed this commitment as part of his effort to restore dignity and hope to the Guinean people.
The former president’s speech also included a call to action for Guinea’s armed forces. He urged military personnel who consider themselves patriots to stand with the people against what he called the “yoke of drug traffickers usurping democratic power.” Condé’s appeal underscored his belief that the junta’s rule was illegitimate and unsustainable, and he called on citizens and soldiers alike to resist its oppression.
Condé reaffirmed his claim to the presidency, insisting that he remains the rightful leader of Guinea. He pledged to continue advocating for the rights and aspirations of the Guinean people, declaring that they stay at the center of his concerns. His message emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity, calling on all Guineans to work together for a brighter and more dignified future.
In closing, Condé extended his wishes for health, prosperity, and peace to all Guineans as they enter the new year. He framed 2025 as an opportunity for renewal and hope, expressing his determination to fight for justice and accountability on behalf of the nation. His address reflects a vision of Guinea rooted in democratic principles and guided by the belief that the country deserves better leadership.
Alpha Condé’s declaration as the legitimate president and his call for resistance against Doumbouya’s junta mark a significant escalation in Guinea’s political crisis. His address will likely resonate with his supporters while further polarizing the nation as it grapples with governance, human rights, and economic recovery challenges.
