Guinea’s Supreme Court Validates Doumbouya’s Presidential Triumph
CONAKRY, Guinea — In a significant development, Guinea’s Supreme Court has confirmed General Mamadi Doumbouya’s election as the nation’s president. This marks a pivotal moment as the former junta leader transitions into a democratically elected role, four years post-coup.
Doumbouya emerged victorious in the presidential race, securing 86.7% of the vote as reported by the General Directorate of Elections. The Supreme Court in Conakry ratified his win, which many analysts had anticipated.
“Today, there are neither winners nor losers. There is only one Guinea, united and indivisible,” Doumbouya expressed in a televised statement on Sunday. He urged citizens to work together towards creating “a new Guinea, a Guinea of peace, justice, shared prosperity, and fully assumed political and economic sovereignty.”
The election held on December 28 was conducted under a revised constitution. This new framework allowed military leaders to contest for office and extended the presidential term from five to seven years.
Yero Baldé, who was the closest competitor with 6.59% of the votes, initially challenged the election results, alleging manipulation by the electoral authorities. However, he retracted his complaint a day before the Supreme Court’s decision.
Despite the democratic transition, Doumbouya has faced criticism for suppressing political opposition since the 2021 coup. This environment left him with minimal competition among the other eight candidates in the election.
“The weakened opposition focused attention on Mamadi Doumbouya as the only key figure capable of ensuring the continuity of the state,” noted N’Faly Guilavogui, a political analyst from Guinea. “Guineans are waiting to see what efforts he will make to ensure political stability and reconciliation,” Guilavogui added.
Guinea, despite its extensive mineral wealth, including being the largest global exporter of bauxite, continues to grapple with high poverty and food insecurity levels affecting over half of its 15 million populace, as reported by the World Food Program.
Among the junta’s strategic undertakings is the Simandou mining project, the largest iron ore deposit worldwide. This venture, predominantly owned by China (75%), commenced production in December following prolonged delays.
