Conakry – Guinea’s newly elected president, former junta leader Mamady Doumbouya, has appointed a prime minister to the west African country’s government less than two weeks after being sworn in.
Doumbouya was elected in late December and inaugurated as president on January 18 to a seven-year term, which follows his four years heading the country’s junta after toppling Guinea’s first freely elected president Alpha Conde in 2021.
In the same decree, Doumbouya additionally announced that the government will include 27 ministries and two secretaries-general. Their appointments are expected in the coming days.
As junta leader, Doumbouya ruled Guinea with an iron fist, banning all demonstrations since 2022, and arresting, prosecuting or pushing into exile several opposition leaders, while enforced disappearances and kidnappings multiplied.
Although Doumbouya initially pledged not to run for president after seizing power, he ultimately stood for election in a race in which all main opposition leaders were barred.
In late September, Guineans approved a new constitution in a referendum that permitted junta members to run for office, paving the way for Doumbouya’s candidacy.
It also lengthened presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once.
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Source: AFP
