The African Union (AU) is paving the way for Guinea’s reinstatement into the continental body following the recent presidential elections. AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, indicated that Guinea is on track to regain its membership after what he described as a positive step in the country’s political transition.
Chairperson Mahamat’s statement came during a meeting with Guinea’s Foreign Minister, Morissanda Kouyaté, at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mahamat lauded the “positive trajectory” Guinea is following and the progress made towards an “inclusive transition based on national dialogue and respect for the constitutional order.”
The meeting follows the inauguration of President Mamady Doumbouya, who secured victory in the December elections with a reported 86.72% of the vote, according to the Supreme Court’s results. Doumbouya assumed power through a military coup in September 2021, which ousted former President Alpha Condé, leading to Guinea’s suspension from the AU and the imposition of sanctions.
Chairperson Mahamat emphasized Guinea’s readiness to fully rejoin the “African family” and called on the AU and the international community to consider lifting the sanctions imposed since the coup. He argued that such a move would “create favorable conditions for implementing a roadmap for national reconstruction and improving the lives of citizens.”
Mahamat previously acknowledged the “maturity of the Guinean people” who voted peacefully, praising all parties’ commitment to ensuring the electoral process met international standards. He also advocated leveraging the experiences of Guinea and Gabon to support other transitional processes on the continent.
Minister Kouyaté expressed “deep gratitude” for the African Union’s support, reaffirming his country’s commitment to full reintegration into the organization. The AU’s signal marks a significant step towards Guinea’s return to the fold, contingent on continued progress and stability.
