Guinea Dissolves 40 Political Parties, Main Opposition Groups

The government has dissolved 40 political parties, in a move critics say marks the final step towards a one-party state under President Mamady Doumbouya. The parties include the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea and the Rally of the People of Guinea of former president Alpha Condé. It also prohibited the use of their logos and party acronyms, names, and emblems. 

The move comes two months after former junta leader Mamady Doumbouya was sworn in as president, following an election in which some key challengers were barred from running. The ministry said the parties had failed to comply with legal requirements, including submitting mandatory financial statements.

Several of the dissolved groups have rejected the allegations, saying they met all obligations under the law. The dissolution of the parties comes two months ahead of legislative elections, another major step in the transition from military to civilian rule. Main opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo has said "direct resistance" to the country's coup leader-turned-president is now the only remaining path to change.