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Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, was sworn in as president on Saturday following his victory in last month’s presidential election, sealing his transition from coup leader to elected head of state.
Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted Guinea’s first democratically elected president, Alpha Condé, took the oath of office before tens of thousands of supporters and several African leaders at a ceremony held at the General Lansana Conté Stadium outside the capital, Conakry.
The Supreme Court earlier confirmed his win in the late December vote, in which he secured 86.7 percent of ballots cast. He was sworn in wearing traditional attire and pledged to uphold the constitution, which was amended to allow him to contest the election.
Although Doumbouya initially promised not to seek the presidency after taking power, he later entered the race after a new constitution was approved in a September referendum.
The revised charter permits junta members to run for office and extends presidential terms from five to seven years, renewable once.
The election took place in the absence of major opposition figures, many of whom were barred from participating.
Since the coup, authorities have imposed restrictions on civil liberties, banned protests and detained or forced several opponents into exile.
Doumbouya reportedly stayed out of the public eye during the campaign and did not hold rallies, instead relying on pre-recorded video messages to address voters.
Saturday’s ceremony drew large crowds clad in the national colours of green, yellow and red and featured musical performances by artists from across the region.
Leaders from Rwanda, Senegal, The Gambia and other African nations attended, alongside Mali’s junta leader, General Assimi Goïta.
