Guinea - December 2024

On 31 December, Guinea’s ruling junta announced an extension of the country’s transition period but did not specify a new timeline for returning to civilian rule. The initial agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reached in 2022, had set a 24-month transition, meaning elections were expected by the end of 2024. However, the military government, led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, cited logistical and institutional challenges in justifying the extension. In his New Year’s address, Doumbouya reaffirmed his commitment to restoring constitutional order, stating that a constitutional referendum would be organized in early 2025, but did not clarify when elections would follow. Opposition groups condemned the move, declaring they would no longer recognize the transitional authorities after the missed deadline. The announcement is expected to heighten political tensions as the opposition pushes for a clear and binding electoral timeline.

Sources: Guinee News, Radio France Internationale, Africa News (1), Africa News (2)

On 1 December, at least 56 people were killed in a stampede and clashes with security forces during a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea. The violence erupted after fans stormed the pitch in protest against referee decisions, leading to chaos as security forces intervened. A collective of human rights groups in the Nzérékoré region later estimated the death toll had risen to 135, while adding that 50 people were still missing. One rights group, citing video analysis and witness accounts, reported that police fired tear gas into the stands and onto the field, triggering panic and a deadly rush toward the stadium’s main exit. Prime Minister Bah Oury condemned the incident and promised justice, while human rights groups called for an independent investigation into the role of security forces in the tragedy.

Sources: Guinee News, The New York Times, France 24, British Broadcasting Corporation, Amnesty International