Guinea President Dismisses 173 Soldiers, Including Officer Who Helped Him Seize Power

Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya has dismissed 173 military personnel for alleged “desertion,” including Michel Lamah, an officer who participated in the 2021 military coup that brought Doumbouya to power.

The dismissals were announced in a presidential decree broadcast on state television on August 24. The affected personnel came from several branches of Guinea’s armed forces. However, the decree did not explain when or under what circumstances they allegedly deserted their posts.

Lamah was a member of Guinea’s elite Special Forces unit, which Doumbouya commanded before overthrowing then-President Alpha Condé on September 5, 2021. He became widely recognised after images emerged showing him in a military vehicle transporting Condé following his arrest.

The 2021 coup ended Condé’s 11-year rule after his controversial pursuit of a third presidential term had triggered widespread protests and political tensions.

Doumbouya initially promised that neither he nor members of the military-led transition would participate in elections intended to restore civilian rule. However, he later contested Guinea’s December 2025 presidential election and won about 87% of the vote. The election was criticised because several major opposition figures were excluded.

The latest military shake-up comes as Doumbouya continues to consolidate his political control and Guinea experiences increased activity in its mining sector.

Guinea possesses significant reserves of gold, bauxite and iron ore, including roughly one-third of the world’s known bauxite reserves. The $23 billion Simandou iron ore project is also expected to significantly boost the country’s economy.

The World Bank estimates that Guinea’s economy grew by 7.4% in 2025 and could expand by 8.8% in 2026, largely driven by rising mining production.

While the dismissal of the 173 soldiers is not expected by itself to alter Guinea’s economic outlook, the move could raise renewed questions among investors about political stability and security around the country’s major mining projects.

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