Overview
- Guinea votes Sunday with junta leader Mamady Doumbouya on the ballot and the main opposition barred, as boycott calls echo across the country.
- The UN human rights chief says Guinea’s campaign features intimidation, enforced disappearances and media constraints, urging investigations and protections on election day.
- Cases flagged by the UN include missing relatives of opposition figure Elie Kamano and photographer Sanassy Keita, underscoring a climate of fear reported since protests were banned in 2022.
- In the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra closes his campaign as the front-runner for a third term following a 2023 constitutional change, alongside legislative, regional and local votes.
- Several CAR opposition parties urge a boycott and residents in Bangui voice scepticism about change, with Russian Wagner mercenaries reported to support security and provisional results due January 5.