Junta leader Mamady Doumbouya officially entered Guinea’s presidential race Monday, submitting his candidacy for the December 28 elections that are meant to restore constitutional order following the general’s 2021 coup.
Doumbouya has ruled the West African nation with an iron fist since first coming to power. Despite his initial promise to hand power back to civilians, he was largely expected to run for president.
Arriving at the Supreme Court via armoured vehicle to formally hand in his candidacy, surrounded by special forces, the general then left without giving a statement.
Thousands of supporters from across the country, who had travelled to the capital by bus, gathered outside the court chanting, “Mamady champion, Mamady president, Mamady already elected!”