Doumbouya Dismisses 173 Soldiers Over Desertion Claims

Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya has dismissed 173 military personnel for alleged desertion, including a key officer from his 2021 coup.

Among those dismissed is Colonel Michel Lamah, a member of the elite Special Forces unit that helped Doumbouya seize power in September 2021.

The dismissals come as Doumbouya faces criticism for remaining in power after pledging to restore civilian rule.

Doumbouya Dismisses 173 Soldiers Over Desertion Claims (NewsCentral TV) — Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya and Colonel Michel Lamah. Credit: Facebook.

Doumbouya won Guinea’s December presidential election with 87 percent of the vote.

Since taking power, his government has faced criticism over restrictions on civil liberties, including protest bans, media closures and actions against opposition figures.

The latest dismissals are seen as part of efforts to strengthen Doumbouya’s control over the military.

Since the 2021 coup, Doumbouya’s government has also focused on transforming Guinea’s mineral-rich economy from a raw-material supplier into a centre for industrial processing.

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