GUINEA’S newly appointed prime minister Mohamed Beavogui (pictured) pledged Thursday that his transition government would take on reforms to make sure the country ‘works properly’ before handing power back to civilians after last month’s coup.
Speaking to reporters outside his home in the capital Conakry, Beavogui said that his priorities are those of the ruling military, which seized power in the West African state on September 5.
Beavogui, a relative unknown in Guinean politics with a background in international development, explained that he wants to ensure ‘the country works properly’ – apparently referring to a dysfunctional government bureaucracy and courts system – before promised elections are held.
Guinea’s ruling junta named international development veteran Beavogui as prime minister on Wednesday.
The following day, the 68-year-old offered assurances that neither he nor army strongman Colonel Mamady Doumbouya plan to cling to power.
‘We are here, as the president said, to serve, to create these conditions, and to leave,’ Beavogui said.
Doumbouya, 37, deposed elected president Alpha Conde last month.
The former special-forces commander was sworn in as interim president on October 1, and has promised to restore civilian rule after a transition period of unspecified length.
The junta also unveiled a ‘transition charter’ late last month that includes plans to revise the constitution, reform electoral rules and hold ‘free, democratic and transparent elections.’
Beavogui had a prestigious career in international development, including with the United Nations, before the army appointed him to steer the transition government.
His lack of government experience potentially distances him from Guinea’s vicious political infighting.
Locals, for their part, appear to have welcomed his nomination.