Military to Civilian: Guinea Conakry's Leader Transitions as Elected President

Sat Jan 17 2026 05:26:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After a coup in 2021, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya donned civilian attire as he prepares to assume the role of Guinea's elected president, despite lingering questions about his commitment to democracy.

Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who took power in a coup in 2021, is set to be sworn in as Guinea's elected president after winning a controversial election. With a shift in image from military uniform to civilian attire, he aims to project a new approachable leadership style among Guineans. However, his regime faces criticism over undemocratic practices, including the banning of opposition parties and crackdowns on free speech.

From the moment he seized power in September 2021, Guinea's Mamadi Doumbouya struck an imposing figure. Just 36 years old at the time, the broad-shouldered colonel wearing military fatigues made headlines when announcing the coup. He claimed the ousted President Alpha Condé's government had neglected democratic principles.

Now 41, Doumbouya, who has acted as interim president, is set to be sworn in as the country's elected leader with 87% of the vote from the December election. Critics, including ex-Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, have denounced the election as a sham amid allegations of political suppression and media censorship.

Doumbouya appears to be transitioning image-wise, favoring tracksuits and traditional outfits over military garb. His changed appearance aims to foster a connection with civilians, signaling an intention to represent the broader populace.

However, analysts warn this shift may only be superficial, as his administration continues to stifle political opposition. Despite concerns regarding human rights and media freedom, Doumbouya remains a popular figure since the coup, though the future of his presidency hinges on navigating resource nationalism and ongoing economic challenges.