The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the climate of fear surrounding Guinea's upcoming presidential election, scheduled for Sunday. In a statement released on Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk detailed a campaign period severely restricted by intimidation, enforced disappearances, and media constraints.
A Climate of Fear and Restricted Freedoms
The UN statement explicitly condemned the "severely restricted" civic and political space in the West African nation. Turk highlighted incidents of intimidation targeting opposition figures, constraints on media freedom, and a series of apparently politically-motivated enforced disappearances. These actions, according to the UN, have created a pervasive climate of fear that risks undermining the entire electoral process.
"The timing and apparent targeted nature of these incidents intimidate opposition figures, disrupt campaigning and deter voter mobilisation," Turk stated. He emphasized that such tactics contribute to widespread fear among both political actors and the general population.
Unresolved Disappearances and Opposition Boycott
The UN chief pointed to several unresolved cases of enforced disappearance. These include four relatives of artist and opposition figure Elie Kamano, who have been missing since November 16. Additionally, Sanassy Keita, a photographer linked to former president Alpha Conde, was abducted by armed men on November 27 and remains missing.
In response to the repression, Guinea's opposition coalition is calling for a boycott of the Sunday poll. The election follows a tenure under junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya that has been marked by the imprisonment, exile, and disappearance of vocal opponents. Despite an initial 2021 promise to return power to civilians, Doumbouya is now running for president as an independent candidate. His main rivals are largely unknown because all prominent opposition figures were barred from contesting.
Call for Accountability and a Free Vote
Volker Turk urged Guinean authorities to take immediate action to ensure a credible vote. "I urge the authorities to promptly and impartially investigate all allegations of enforced disappearances, determine the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared and ensure that those responsible for any violations are held accountable," he said.
He further called for the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation. The goal, he stated, must be an electoral environment "free from fear, coercion or repression." This call comes against a backdrop where the junta has banned protests since 2022 and cracked down extensively on civil liberties.
Approximately 6.8 million Guineans are eligible to vote on Sunday, choosing from nine candidates. The nation, rich in minerals like bauxite but where over half the population lives in poverty, has a long history of military and authoritarian rule since gaining independence from France in 1958.
