THE African Union (AU) restated its support for the political transition process in Guinea, which remains under military rule three months after the ouster of long-time leader Alpha Conde.
The pledge was made by the chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat who was on a working visit to the West African nation to be appraised of the development of the situation.
Mahamat said it will support the process in close cooperation with West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to a statement from the AU, Mahamat also prompted interim president Colonel Mamady Doumbouya on the importance of a ‘consensual and peaceful transition which will lead Guinea towards democratic and transparent elections, ensuring a return to constitutional order according to a precise timetable.’
Doumbouya, on his part, reiterated his decision not to stand in elections geared towards restoring civilian rule, though no commitment to a timeframe was given. Mahamat, the statement added, welcomed Doumbouya’s ‘firm commitment’ not to contest in the elections.
Doumbouya had also previously said that anyone taking part in the interim administration will not be able to participate in the elections.
Doumbouya also gave Mahamat an update on efforts to reorganise the management of Guinea in the wake of former president Conde being sent to his wife’s home in the capital, Conakry, after being held incommunicado for months.
Mahamat also presented Ambassador Maman Sambo Sidikou, an envoy who will be in charge of monitoring the Guinean file on behalf of the continental bloc.
