Guinea's president dismisses 173 soldiers, including coup ally, for desertion

What the report says

Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya has dismissed 173 soldiers for desertion, including Col Michel Lamah, an officer who was part of the 2021 coup that brought Doumbouya to power, BBC Africa reports. The decree was read on state television by presidential spokesman Gen Amara Camara, but no further details were given about when or how the alleged desertions occurred.

According to the report, the move appears to fit a broader effort by Doumbouya to tighten his grip on the military and reduce the risk of internal challenges. Lamah had been a member of the elite Special Forces Group and drew attention during the coup when he was photographed in a vehicle with then-president Alpha Condé, who was removed after troops seized the presidential palace.

Doumbouya had originally said he would not stand for election and would return Guinea to civilian rule, but he later ran in December’s vote and won by a wide margin. BBC Africa says his rule has also been marked by restrictions on civil liberties, including bans on protests, media closures and pressure on opposition groups. The dismissals come as Guinea, a mineral-rich West African country, continues its transition under a former junta leader now serving as president.