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

President Mamadi Doumbouya has removed members across military branches in a decree announced on state television.

The short version

  • Guinean President Mamadi Doumbouya dismissed 173 military personnel, citing desertion.
  • Among those dismissed is Col. Michel Lamah, a former ally who participated in the 2021 coup that brought Doumbouya to power.
  • The official decree provided no specific details or circumstances surrounding the alleged desertions.

Key facts

  • President Mamadi Doumbouya issued a decree dismissing 173 soldiers for desertion across various branches of the military.[BBC News]
  • The dismissed personnel included Col. Michel Lamah, a member of the Special Forces Group who assisted Doumbouya in overthrowing former President Alpha Condé in September 2021.[BBC News]
  • Presidential spokesman Gen. Amara Camara announced the military dismissals on state television.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The decree and government statements did not disclose any specific circumstances or evidence regarding the alleged desertions.[BBC News]

Sources