Guinea's Junta Leader Transitions to Civilian Presidency Amid Controversy

Sat Jan 17 2026 05:29:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Mamadi Doumbouya, who led a coup in 2021, will be inaugurated as Guinea's elected president, embracing civilian attire but facing criticism over democratic practices.

Mamadi Doumbouya, the leader of Guinea's junta following a coup in 2021, is set to be sworn in as the country's elected president. His transition from military attire to civilian clothing symbolizes a shift towards civilian leadership. However, Doumbouya's administration faces scrutiny over accusations of suppressing political opposition and a questionable electoral process, raising doubts about his commitment to democracy.

From the moment he seized power in September 2021, Guinea's Mamadi Doumbouya struck an imposing figure. Just 36 years old at the time, the broad-shouldered colonel, standing at well over six feet, wearing military fatigues, mirrored sunglasses and a red beret, certainly made an impression when announcing the coup.

A relatively unknown member of an elite army unit, he declared that the government of ousted President Alpha Condé had disregarded democratic principles and that citizens' rights were being trampled on.

After more than four years of acting as interim president, and going back on a promise not to run for leadership of the country, Doumbouya, now 41, is set to be sworn in as the elected head of state on Saturday.

The discreet, disciplined, and private man won 87% of the vote in December's election against a severely depleted field, although the electoral process has faced accusations of being a 'charade' with fabricated results.

Critics question Doumbouya's democratic credentials, noting that political parties have been banned and activists have gone missing. Scrolling through social media accounts from the president's office, a carefully constructed image of a leader close to civilians surfaces, with Doumbouya now often seen in tracksuits and traditional Guinean attire.

Despite this, analysts remain unconvinced of a genuine shift from his military roots. A ban on political demonstrations and the suspension of opposition parties have raised eyebrows, particularly in light of ongoing human rights concerns, such as the disappearance of activists.

Nevertheless, Doumbouya has managed to maintain a level of popularity among the populace since the 2021 coup. Recent polling shows an increase in trust towards him, with many appreciating his messaging around sovereignty and self-determination in economic matters.

His government has focused on controlling Guinea’s vast natural resources, particularly the Simandou iron-ore project, which is seen as pivotal to the country's economic future and Doumbouya's legacy as president.

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