Gambiaj.com – (CONAKRY, Guinea) – Major opposition parties and civil society organizations in Guinea have announced a “dead city” operation set for next Monday in Conakry. This protest aims to denounce the ruling junta, which they accuse of attempting to consolidate power.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Living Forces of Guinea (FVG)—a coalition of main opposition parties and civil society groups—also announced plans to resume nationwide demonstrations, though no specific date has been given.

The FVG is urging citizens to observe a dead city on Monday, August 12th, from 6am to 6pm (local and GMT) throughout the capital and its surrounding areas. They accuse General Mamadi Doumbouya’s junta of power grabs, human rights abuses, and suppressing freedom of expression.

The coalition highlights the junta’s ban on four private radio stations and two private TV channels since the end of May. Additionally, they denounce the arrest of opposition figures Oumar Sylla (known as Foniké Menguè) and Mamadou Billo Bah, leaders of the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), a civilian movement advocating for the return of civilian rule in Guinea.

According to the FNDC, Sylla and Bah “disappeared” following their arrests on July 9th, with the organization labeling it a “kidnapping.” Authorities deny these arrests, claiming no knowledge of the men’s whereabouts.

The FVG demands the restoration of civilian power by December 31, marking the end of the junta’s “transition” period. They also call for the “immediate and unconditional” release of Sylla and Bah.

Nearly three years after the September 2021 coup that ousted President Alpha Condé, hopes for a return to constitutional order in Guinea appear increasingly slim. The junta has already signaled it will not meet the commitment—originally made under international pressure—to transition to civilian rule by the end of 2024.

Authorities dissolved the FNDC in 2022 and have since banned any demonstrations.