Guinea’s transitional government has announced December 2025 as the new date for presidential and legislative elections, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah revealed Monday at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan.

The announcement comes as the military junta, led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, faces growing pressure to restore democratic governance following the 2021 coup that ousted President Alpha Condé.

Speaking on the sidelines of discussions about the Simandou iron ore project, a cornerstone of Guinea’s economy, Bah outlined the electoral roadmap: a constitutional referendum on September 21, followed by elections in December. “I can assure you that Simandou's first train will arrive before the elections,” he added, signaling efforts to bolster investor confidence in the mining sector.

Guinea’s junta had previously committed to a two-year transition in 2022 and a December 2024 deadline for civilian rule, both of which were missed. The new timeline follows the release of a draft constitution in July 2024, which critics argue could enable Doumbouya to run for president, though his candidacy remains unconfirmed.

Political tensions are rising, with Guinea’s two former ruling parties suspended and the opposition Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) reportedly under surveillance. Human rights groups have warned of shrinking political space and inadequate electoral preparations.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union are closely monitoring developments, urging the junta to adhere to democratic norms. With the December 2025 elections looming, Guinea’s political future hangs in the balance as the junta’s commitment to relinquishing power faces scrutiny. (ILKHA)