Screenshot of live ceremony held at General Lansana Conté Stadium before African heads of state. Image by Crux via YouTube
By Newz.Africa Politics Desk |Conakry, Guinea |Published: 18 January 2026 |
General Mamadi Doumbouya has been sworn in as president of Guinea after winning last month’s election with 86.7 percent of the vote. His inauguration occurred at the 55,000 seat General Lansana Conté Stadium outside Conakry. This event marked the formal transition from military leader to elected head of state.
Doumbouya sworn in after Supreme Court confirmation
The Supreme Court upheld Doumbouya’s victory after his closest challenger withdrew a petition alleging irregularities. African Union and ECOWAS officials attended the ceremony alongside several African heads of state. Critics say Doumbouya’s rise was shaped by a restrictive political climate. It was defined by limitations on opposition movement, bans on protests, and minimal space for dissent.
Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, originally promised not to run for president. A constitutional change later made military leaders eligible and extended the presidential term from five years to seven. He took the oath dressed in a traditional gown, declaring his commitment to uphold the Constitution and serve the nation.
Guinea’s new president outlines seven-year roadmap
Doumbouya said his new mandate is a responsibility to confront governance challenges. He pledged to strengthen institutions, enforce the rule of law and accelerate economic reforms. Guinea has significant mineral wealth, including major iron ore deposits and the world’s largest bauxite reserves. Half of the country’s population, however, lives in poverty. His government is banking on large mining projects to stimulate economic recovery.
Regional leaders praised the symbolic transition. Supporters in Conakry celebrated the ceremony as a turning point for national pride. Opponents warned that the political environment remains too controlled for democratic competition. They argue that Doumbouya must show real openness to political freedoms for the transition to be credible.
Sources:
What we confirmed
- Supreme Court validated Doumbouya’s 86.7 percent victory.
- Ceremony held at General Lansana Conté Stadium before African heads of state.
Primary artefact
- Live stream of Doumbouya’s oath as broadcast by CRUX via YouTube
Also Read:
About the Author
