The leader of Guinea’s ruling junta, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has declared during his year-end speech on Sunday that a constitutional referendum is slated for 2024, marking a pivotal step toward the reestablishment of civilian governance following the 2021 coup.
In his announcement, Doumbouya emphasized the significance of the new constitution, stating, “In the new year, a new constitution which resembles us and brings us together will be submitted to a referendum.”
He highlighted the document’s uniqueness, designed to be “approved by the people” and not a mere replication but an inspiration from the past to shape the collective future.
Regarding the leadership of municipal councils elected in 2018, Doumbouya revealed that individuals appointed by the state would soon be designated to lead these councils, whose mandates conclude in the early months of the upcoming year.
Many of these councils are presently headed by officials associated with the ousted civilian president Alpha Conde or former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo.
In explaining these decisions, Doumbouya expressed the junta’s commitment to advancing constitutional order through the organization of “free, democratic, and transparent elections.” He underscored the importance of adhering to the timeline for transitioning back to civilian rule.
The colonel’s leadership has been under international scrutiny, and in response to pressure, Doumbouya pledged to return governance to elected civilians by January 2026 after assuming power in the September 2021 coup.
