Mamady Doumbouya takes oath as Guinea’s civilian president

Junta leader‑turned candidate Mamady Doumbouya was sworn in as Guinea’s president at a ceremony on 17 January 2026, formally ending nearly four years of military rule. The oath took place in a new 55‑000‑seat stadium outside Conakry and was witnessed by heads of state from across West Africa and officials from the African Union and ECOWAS.

Doumbouya acknowledged the “immense responsibility” of the office and promised to build institutions that serve the public. The inauguration followed a Supreme Court ruling that confirmed his victory in the 28 December 2025 election with 86.72 % of the vote.

The election itself was made possible by a new constitution that removed a ban on military leaders seeking office and extended presidential terms from five to seven years. Guinea’s top court said voter turnout exceeded 80 %, though civic groups disputed the figure. Several prominent opposition figures were barred from running, and critics noted that Doumbouya had pledged shortly after his 2021 coup not to stand as a candidate. Nonetheless, the validation of the vote cleared the way for him to assume a seven‑year mandate as reported by BBC News

From special forces commander to head of state

Doumbouya first seized power as a colonel in Guinea’s special forces in September 2021, overthrowing long‑time president Alpha Condé. He justified the coup by accusing Condé of corruption and promised to organise elections after a transitional period. Over the following years the National Council of the Transition, a junta‑appointed body, rewrote the constitution.

The September 2025 charter widened the presidential term and allowed members of the military government to run, paving the way for Doumbouya’s candidacy. During the campaign he rebranded himself as a civilian leader, trading fatigues for tailored suits and appearing alongside his wife Lauriane at rallies.

Human rights groups and opposition leaders say the transition was marked by repression. The new constitution consolidated power in the presidency and created a Senate partly appointed by the head of state. Since 2022 the junta has banned protests, dissolved dozens of political parties and suspended several independent media outlets.

Critics of the government have been arrested, prosecuted or forced into exile, according to reports carried by the AFP news agency. BSS, citing AFP dispatches, notes that Doumbouya’s government “cracked down on civil liberties” and banned demonstrations, while opposition figures were arrested or driven abroad. These moves led many opposition parties to boycott the December vote, leaving Doumbouya facing eight little‑known challengers.

Guinea is rich in bauxite, iron ore and other minerals, yet roughly half of its 15 million citizens live in poverty. Doumbouya has argued that control over natural resources is essential to economic development. In his inaugural speech he pledged to “address governance challenges” and improve living standards. Since taking power he has renegotiated mining contracts and pressed for greater state participation in lucrative projects.

The Simandou iron‑ore project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped deposits, epitomises this strategy: Guinea holds a 15 % stake, while Chinese companies and Rio Tinto control most of the equity. The venture includes a 600‑kilometre railway and deep‑water port and is expected to deliver up to 120 million tonnes of high‑grade ore annually once fully operational.

Beijing’s interest highlights the project’s geopolitical significance. According to Reuters, a vessel carrying nearly 200 000 tonnes of Simandou ore arrived in east China’s Zhejiang province on 17 January 2026, marking the first shipment to China.

A second cargo left Guinea in late December. China Baowu Steel Group, which has invested heavily in the mine, said the project underscores its efforts to diversify supply beyond Australia and Brazil. Guinea’s authorities hope the influx of revenue will finance schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

Supporters celebrate, critics remain wary

At the inauguration, jubilant supporters from Doumbouya’s home region of Kankan waved flags and spoke of a new era for Guinea. Law student Rokiatou Kaba told the Associated Press the country was “back on the international stage” and that prosperity was imminent. However, others viewed the ceremony as an exercise in consolidating power. Economics student Hassmiou Baldé called the event a “charade,” arguing that genuine opposition voices had been sidelined and that the election lacked credibility.

Neighbouring leaders, including those from Sierra Leone and Liberia, attended the ceremony, signalling a willingness to reengage with Guinea after years of tension over delayed elections. China’s Vice Premier Liu Guozhong had previously visited Guinea for the commissioning of the Simandou mine, underscoring Beijing’s strategic interest in the country.

The African Union and ECOWAS have urged the new government to uphold constitutional order and respect human rights. As Doumbouya begins his seven‑year term, observers say his legitimacy will depend on whether he relaxes restrictions on dissent, delivers promised economic reforms and manages relations with powerful mining partners.

Background

Doumbouya, a member of Guinea’s Malinke ethnic group, previously served in the French Foreign Legion and participated in missions in Afghanistan, Ivory Coast and the Central African Republic (background information from 2025 Reuters reports). His 2021 coup ousted Condé, who had himself altered the constitution in 2020 to secure a controversial third term.

Doumbouya initially pledged to return Guinea to civilian rule within two years, but the transition stretched into 2026. While older reports detail his military training and international deployments, the newly installed president is now measured against his promises to end corruption, improve public services and respect constitutional limits.

Source:  BBC News