Keypoints:
- AU Commission recommends lifting Guinea’s post-coup suspension
- Elections and new constitution cited as restoring civilian rule
- Council urges reforms, inclusion and democratic consolidation
THE African Union has taken a decisive step towards restoring Guinea’s full membership, with the chairperson of the AU Commission recommending the lifting of the country’s suspension imposed following the 2021 military coup.
The proposal was delivered on Thursday during the 1325th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, signalling growing continental confidence that Guinea’s long political transition has reached its conclusion.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, told council members that the West African state had achieved what he described as a ‘decisive milestone’ after adopting a new constitution and holding presidential elections in late 2025.
If endorsed by the council, the move would formally end more than four years of Guinea’s exclusion from African Union activities, marking its official return to constitutional governance after a prolonged period of military rule.
AU cites constitutional restoration
According to an official AU readout from the meeting, Youssouf urged council members to act on the Commission’s assessment and restore Guinea’s standing within the bloc.
‘On this basis, and in line with the Commission’s assessment, he urged the Peace and Security Council to lift Guinea’s suspension from the African Union,’ the statement said.
He stressed that while the political transition had reached an important endpoint, further efforts were required to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and promote national cohesion.
The Commission chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s readiness to continue supporting Guinea as it works to consolidate peace, stability and sustainable development.
From coup to transition
Guinea has been governed by transitional authorities since September 5, 2021, when special forces led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya removed President Alpha Condé from power.
The coup followed months of unrest sparked by Condé’s decision to seek a third term in office, a move widely criticised by opposition groups and civil society as unconstitutional and authoritarian.
Following the takeover, the junta dissolved the government, suspended the constitution and established a military-led administration. The African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and several international partners swiftly suspended Guinea, calling for a rapid return to civilian rule.
Doumbouya assumed the title of interim president and pledged sweeping reforms to combat corruption, improve governance and address economic hardship. However, repeated delays to the transition timetable strained relations with regional institutions and domestic stakeholders.
Constitutional referendum reshapes politics
Momentum returned to the process in September last year when Guineans approved a new constitution through a nationwide referendum.
Official results showed nearly 89 percent support for the charter, which introduced seven-year presidential terms, established a bicameral legislature including a Senate, and removed legal barriers that had previously prevented members of the transitional authorities from standing in elections.
The reforms paved the way for presidential polls held on December 28, the first national election since the coup.
Elections and international response
According to official results later validated by Guinea’s Supreme Court, Doumbouya won the presidency with more than 86 percent of the vote.
An African Union election observation mission reported that voting was conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner, while urging authorities to ensure inclusive follow-up steps, including legislative and local elections, to complete the political transition.
Although some opposition figures raised concerns about political openness, the AU concluded that the elections restored constitutional order in line with its governance norms.
Regional and economic significance
Guinea’s reintegration carries wider implications for regional stability in West Africa, where several countries remain under military-led governments.
The country is also a critical global supplier of bauxite, a key raw material for aluminium production, and has sought to normalise relations with investors and development partners after years of uncertainty.
AU officials said restoring Guinea’s membership would help accelerate cooperation on governance reform, economic recovery and social cohesion.
The Peace and Security Council is expected to take a formal decision on the recommendation in the coming days.
