Guinea’s junta leader, Mamady Doumbouya, was officially sworn in as president on Saturday before tens of thousands of supporters and a gathering of African heads of state, following his election win last month.
Doumbouya, who seized power in 2021 by ousting Guinea’s first freely elected president, Alpha Conde, has since imposed tight restrictions on civil liberties, banned public protests, and targeted political opponents through arrests, trials, or forcing them into exile.
The country’s Supreme Court confirmed his victory shortly after the late December election, announcing that Doumbouya secured 86.7 percent of the votes.
During an elaborate inauguration ceremony at General Lansana Conte Stadium on the outskirts of Conakry, Doumbouya, dressed in a traditional gown, took an oath to uphold the constitution—a version he had previously amended to allow his candidacy.
Although he initially promised not to run after taking power, Doumbouya participated in an election from which key opposition leaders were barred. The president-elect conducted little public campaigning, relying instead on pre-recorded video messages to communicate with voters.
Thousands of spectators wearing green, yellow, and red—the colors of Guinea’s flag—attended a pre-inauguration concert featuring popular regional musicians. Several African heads of state, including leaders from Rwanda, The Gambia, and Senegal, were in attendance. Coup leader General Assimi Goita of Mali was also present.
In September, Guineans approved a new constitution in a referendum that allowed members of the junta to run for office, effectively clearing the path for Doumbouya’s candidacy. The constitutional changes also extended presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once.
