Guinea President dismisses 173 soldiers for desertion

Guinean military Mamadi Doumbouya Michel Lamah military desertion presidential decree

Guinean President Mamadi Doumbouya has dismissed 173 members of the armed forces following a presidential decree issued on August 24, 2026. The dismissals, which include personnel from the Gendarmerie, the Special Forces Group (GFS), the airborne battalion, and various infantry units, were officially attributed to desertion.

Among those removed is Colonel Michel Lamah, a prominent figure from the elite Special Forces who played a key role in the September 2021 coup that brought Doumbouya to power. Lamah gained widespread recognition during that operation for his role in the arrest of then-President Alpha Condé.

General Amara Camara, the President's spokesperson, announced the measure via state television. While the decree cited desertion, it did not provide specific details regarding when the individuals allegedly abandoned their posts. The Ministry of Defense clarified that under military law, an unauthorized absence exceeding six days in peacetime constitutes desertion.

Entities

Amara Camara · Groupement des Forces Spéciales · Guinea · Mamadi Doumbouya · Mamadou Aliou Sow · Michel Lamah

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] Colonel Michel Lamah, a former member of the Special Forces Group, was among those dismissed. www.aujourd8.net · gambiaj.com · www.radiopacis.org · africa.businessinsider.com · blueprint.ng · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] In peacetime, desertion is defined as an unauthorized absence from a unit or post for more than six days. www.affichesguineennes.com · tchadvision.com · zambianobserver.com
[● 8 SOURCES] President Mamadi Doumbouya dismissed 173 soldiers from the Guinean armed forces. www.affichesguineennes.com · www.aujourd8.net · gambiaj.com · www.radiopacis.org · africa.businessinsider.com · +3 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The presidential decree was issued and made public on August 24, 2026. www.aujourd8.net · gambiaj.com · africa.businessinsider.com · blueprint.ng · tribuneonlineng.com
[● 7 SOURCES] Michel Lamah participated in the September 5, 2021, coup that brought Mamadi Doumbouya to power. www.aujourd8.net · gambiaj.com · www.radiopacis.org · africa.businessinsider.com · blueprint.ng · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The dismissed personnel belonged to various branches, including the Gendarmerie, the Special Forces Group, and the airborne battalion. www.aujourd8.net · www.radiopacis.org · africa.businessinsider.com · blueprint.ng · tribuneonlineng.com · +1 more
[● 8 SOURCES] The official reason provided for the dismissals is desertion. www.affichesguineennes.com · www.aujourd8.net · gambiaj.com · www.radiopacis.org · africa.businessinsider.com · +3 more
[● 7 SOURCES] General Amara Camara, Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency, read the presidential decree announcing the dismissals. www.aujourd8.net · gambiaj.com · www.radiopacis.org · africa.businessinsider.com · blueprint.ng · +2 more