MAMADY DOUMBOUYA, 41, Guinea coup leader, who overthrew Alpha Donde, on September 5, has been sown-in as interim president of the country, on Friday, October 1, 2021. He took oath of office at the Mohammed V palace in Conakry, Guinean capital.
His mission, he said in his speech, is to rebuild the country through the provision of new constitution, tackle corruption, change the electoral system, and put in place what would lead to “free, credible and transparent” elections; and pledged to respect all national and international commitments the country had subscribed.
At the swearing-in, Doumbouya was dressed in military uniform, had his usual sunglasses on, with white hand glove, while he took the oath of office. “I fully appreciate the magnitude and immensity of the responsibilities entrusted to me”, he said after taking the oath of office.
He did not state how long the transition government will be in place, and when elections to return the country to civil rule will take place. The 81-member Transitional National Council will decide the transition programme, and members of the transitional council are barred from contesting the next elections.
Alpha Conde’s government was toppled by military coup led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who accused him of inflicting poverty on the people, corruption, altering the country’s constitution, and marred election that earned him third term in office.
West African State leaders, a regional bloc, Economic Community of West African State, ECOWAS, in reaction to the coup, announced freezing of assets and imposed travel bans on the coup plotters; believing that such actions will move the junta to swiftly return the county to democracy.
Before the coup plot, Colonel Doumbouya was reported to keep a low profile, even though he has outstanding military career. What stands out about him is his international military experience. He was trained in France and served in the French military.
Col Doumbouya served in missions in Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Central African Republic and close protection in Israel, Cyprus, the UK and Guinea, during his 15-years military career.
