Guinea: Mamadi Doumbouya promises return to constitutional order in 2025
4 min readIn his New Year’s address on December 31, 2024, Guinea’s transitional president, General Mamadi Doumbouya, reaffirmed his commitment to restoring constitutional order in the country. Doumbouya assured the nation that this process would begin in the first quarter of 2025 with the signing of a decree to organize a constitutional referendum. His speech laid out his administration’s political agenda for the year ahead, signaling a step forward in the country’s return to stable, democratic governance.
Doumbouya emphasized that 2025 would be a crucial year for Guinea, as it would mark the beginning of a new phase in the country’s transition. This transition, initiated after the 2021 military coup, has been a subject of both domestic and international scrutiny, with many hoping that the country will return to constitutional order and democratic norms. In his speech, Doumbouya provided a roadmap for Guinea’s political future, highlighting the key goals of his administration for the coming year.
Key Political Commitments for 2025
One of the most significant aspects of Doumbouya’s address was his focus on the creation of a new constitution. He revealed that a referendum would be held in 2025, giving the Guinean people the opportunity to adopt a constitution that reflects their aspirations and provides a foundation for stable governance. The new constitution is expected to play a central role in ensuring the long-term stability of the country’s political system, especially after years of political instability and military-led rule.
Doumbouya also announced that the transition period would end officially with the adoption of this new constitution. The move marks a pivotal moment in Guinea’s journey toward democracy, with the restoration of constitutional order seen as a necessary step to strengthen the country’s institutions and guarantee a fair and transparent political process. In his address, Doumbouya stated that his administration would prioritize the creation of strong, enduring institutions that would safeguard Guinea’s democracy for generations to come.
Elections in 2025
Along with the creation of a new constitution, Doumbouya confirmed that Guinea would hold a series of elections in 2025, including presidential, legislative, and local elections. The elections are set to be organized with a strong emphasis on transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to republican values. Doumbouya assured the public that these elections would be conducted fairly, with safeguards in place to ensure that the process is legitimate and representative of the will of the people.
The importance of these elections cannot be overstated, as they will mark Guinea’s return to civilian rule after years of military intervention in its politics. Doumbouya stressed that the elections would be an essential part of the transition to a constitutional order, providing the people with the opportunity to elect their leaders through a democratic process. He assured the public that the elections would be well-organized, with a clear and transparent electoral framework in place to protect the integrity of the vote.
The Constitution’s Role in the Transition
Doumbouya also provided details about the process for drafting the new constitution. According to him, the draft constitution will first be reviewed by a panel of Guinean experts before being submitted for approval by the National Transitional Council. This process, he explained, would ensure that the constitution is tailored to the social, political, and economic realities of Guinea. The aim is to create a constitution that resonates with the people and provides a solid framework for the country’s future governance.
The adoption of the new constitution will symbolize the official end of the transition period, marking the return to constitutional order and the restoration of a fully functioning democratic system. Doumbouya emphasized that the new constitution would be a reflection of the collective aspirations of the Guinean people, ensuring that it is both representative and forward-looking.
A Clear Electoral Calendar
In addition to the constitutional reforms, Doumbouya announced the finalization of a new electoral code in 2025. This new legal framework will guide the upcoming elections, ensuring they are conducted efficiently, fairly, and transparently. Doumbouya emphasized that the electoral code would provide the legal foundation for organizing elections in a manner that respects the rights of all citizens and guarantees the integrity of the electoral process.
In his concluding remarks, Doumbouya stressed the importance of maintaining peace and unity throughout the transition period. “Without lasting peace, we cannot achieve our goals,” he stated, calling on all Guineans to work together in unity to build a modern and prosperous country. Doumbouya’s message of peace, unity, and progress resonated with many, as he reiterated his commitment to creating a Guinea where the rights of all citizens are protected and where democracy can thrive.
As Guinea enters 2025, the country faces both challenges and opportunities in its transition. Doumbouya’s New Year’s address has set a clear direction for the year ahead, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the country and offering hope for a peaceful and democratic future. The successful implementation of his political commitments will be crucial in determining whether Guinea can successfully navigate its transition and emerge as a stable, democratic nation.
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