Guinea’s Internal Security Command published the deployment of an operation in which it managed to completely arrest and dismantle a suspected “armed group” accused of “subversive intentions.” This action was carried out in the capital Conakry with a view to holding the presidential elections. Media Guinée said the agency confirmed that the operation took place on Saturday, just a day before elections in which the head of the military junta, Mamady Doumbouya, will be presented as the main candidate after the exclusion of key rivals.
According to the Internal Security Operations Command, the intervention was possible “on the basis of reliable information,” which allowed “the complete neutralization of the group and the arrest of the people involved after several exchanges of fire.” The junta said those arrested belong to an armed structure whose purposes are seen as a threat to national security. While she did not provide further details about the operation, she stressed that no further information would be provided about a possible connection to the ongoing presidential election.
The official statement added that “a judicial investigation has been launched to determine the full implications of this matter and to determine responsibilities in accordance with applicable laws.” In this sense, the authorities will try to determine the full scope of the actions of this group and the possible support network that took part in the events. As the statement states, the investigations aim to establish the level of responsibility of all actors involved, in accordance with the regulations in force in Guinea.
According to the statement, the military government guaranteed citizens that there was “no immediate threat” to the country and called for them to remain calm, continue their daily activities and cooperate with security forces. In addition, the Board called on the population to act responsibly and provide relevant information that will contribute to peace and the orderly development of the electoral process. At the end of the message, the authorities expressly commended the security forces for their “professionalism” and their “high sense of duty to protect people and property.”
Media Guinée confirmed that the junta’s chief, Mamady Doumbouya, had “strongly” ordered law enforcement on Saturday to “block any dissident who tries to sabotage the electoral process.” These words came in the context of a day of political tension, just hours before polls opened and after weeks of official warnings about possible destabilization attempts.
Mamady Doumbouya, who led the coup that removed Alpha Condé from power in September 2021, represents the main figure of these elections, following the cancellation of the candidacies of opposition leaders considered relevant by international and national organizations. Since coming to power, Doumbouya has faced accusations of authoritarian tendencies and was criticized for declaring his intention not to stand for election after the end of the transition period, a promise he failed to keep, according to Media Guinée.
As part of the neutralization of the group and hours before the elections, the government strengthened its recommendations and called for vigilance and calm among the population. Authorities reiterated the importance of maintaining social peace and keeping all channels of communication open between citizens and police forces to ensure stability during what is considered a sensitive period.
The announced operation contributes to an electoral climate characterized by the absence of candidacies from the main opposition, which led to Doumbouya being identified as the clear favorite in a process in which various sectors and international media have highlighted the tensions and limitations of the electoral competition. As Media Guinée published, the board has so far refrained from providing any information about the identity of the detainees or about a possible connection between the group and political actors.
The ongoing judicial investigation will be responsible for clarifying the financing options, logistical support and possible motivations of the neutralized group. Meanwhile, the authorities assured that there was no immediate threat to national activities, with the aim of maintaining the normal flow of daily life and participation in the election rally.
The current political context, according to Media Guinée’s reporting, shows the strict control exercised by the board over the development of the elections, as well as the strategies implemented to ensure their development, including increased surveillance, earlier security deployments and constant messages aimed at promoting calm and cooperation among citizens.
In summary, the events of the last hours in Conakry before the presidential elections reflect the military government’s decision to act in the face of any eventuality that it sees as a threat and its stated desire to consolidate political stability, amid a process marked by restrictions on opposition participation and under intense surveillance by the authorities.
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