Guinea’s Coup Leader Mamady Doumbouya Wins Presidency, Marks Return to Civilian Rule

Guinea’s coup leader Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president. Provisional results announced Tuesday confirm his victory. This completes the country’s transition to civilian rule. Doumbouya seized power in 2021, overthrowing President Alpha Conde. He now consolidates authority with a strong electoral win.

The results show Doumbouya won 86.72% of votes cast on December 28. He secured an outright majority, avoiding a runoff. The Supreme Court has eight days to validate the results if challenges arise. His win gives him a seven-year mandate. Guinea is rich in bauxite and iron ore. The world’s largest untapped Simandou iron ore deposit was launched recently after years of delays.

Doumbouya, in his early 40s, faced eight challengers. Conde and longtime opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo went into exile. The post-coup charter initially barred him from running. He reversed that pledge after a September referendum removed restrictions. Voter turnout was officially 80.95%, but participation in the capital Conakry appeared low. Opposition leaders questioned the figure.

The new president has promoted resource nationalism. He pushed the Simandou project forward. His government revoked Emirates Global Aluminium subsidiary Guinea Alumina Corporation’s licence over a refinery dispute. Assets were transferred to a state-owned firm. These moves boosted his popularity, especially among Guinea’s young population, with a median age of about 19.

Political space remains limited. Civil society reports bans on protests and restrictions on opposition activity. Press freedom is also constrained. UN rights chief Volker Turk said the campaign was “severely restricted,” citing intimidation and enforced disappearances. Opposition candidate Faya Lansana Millimono claimed the election was fraudulent. Observers were reportedly blocked from monitoring the vote and counting.

Doumbouya’s rise reflects trends in West Africa. Coups and resource-focused leadership have reshaped politics in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. While his win signals civilian rule, critics warn freedoms remain limited. Guinea faces a delicate balance between governance, economic control and democracy.