Guinean opposition politician Aliou Bah has been released from prison after being granted a presidential pardon on Friday. Bah, head of the Liberal Democratic Movement (Model), was jailed for insulting junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya. His release comes as rights groups and political opponents accuse Guinea's military rulers of tightening their grip on dissent since seizing power in 2021. The presidential pardon was granted to mark Guinea's independence day.
President Doumbouya granted pardons to 217 prisoners, according to a presidential decree read on state television by presidency secretary-general Amara Camara. Bah was among those named in the decree. He had been detained since December 2024 and was sentenced in January last year to two years for "offending and insulting" the head of state. An appeals court upheld the sentence in May 2025, despite prosecutors seeking a five-year prison term.
Bah's conviction was based on remarks in which he called on Guinean religious leaders to "break their silence" about the country's political situation and described the ruling National Committee of Rally for Development (CNRD) as "incompetent". His case had also reached the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In a letter dated September 25, the regional court asked Guinea's Supreme Court to order Bah's immediate and unconditional release.
President Doumbouya seized power in September 2021 after overthrowing president Alpha Conde, Guinea's first democratically elected leader. He strengthened his hold on power after winning a December 2025 presidential election that was not contested by any major opposition challenger. The election was widely criticized by opposition parties, who accused the military authorities of systematically restricting political freedoms.
Opposition parties have faced significant challenges under Doumbouya's rule. Several major political parties have been dissolved, demonstrations have been banned or dispersed by security forces, and a number of government critics have been arrested, convicted, forced into exile, or have disappeared. Bah's release is seen as a rare instance of leniency by the military authorities.
The release of Aliou Bah has been welcomed by his supporters, who see it as a positive step towards easing tensions in the country. However, human rights groups and opposition parties continue to express concerns about the restrictive political environment in Guinea. They have called for the release of other prisoners and an end to the crackdown on dissent.
The presidential pardon granted to Aliou Bah is one of several recent moves by President Doumbouya to ease tensions with the opposition. However, it remains to be seen whether this gesture will lead to a significant improvement in relations between the government and opposition parties. The country continues to face significant challenges in its transition to democracy.
Key points
- President Doumbouya granted pardons to 217 prisoners, including opposition leader Aliou Bah.
- Bah was jailed for insulting the junta leader and was sentenced to two years in prison.
- The release of Aliou Bah comes as Guinea's military rulers face criticism for tightening their grip on dissent.
