ECOWAS lifts all sanctions against Guinea

On Wed, ECOWAS announced the removal of all remaining sanctions against Guinea following the election of Mamady Doumbouya, a former junta leader, as president. These sanctions were initially imposed after Doumbouya led a coup to remove President Alpha Condé in 2021.

In February 2024, ECOWAS had already eased certain sanctions, specifically those relating to financial transactions with its member institutions. The decision to lift all remaining sanctions was made after a constitutional referendum in September and the presidential election in December were successfully conducted.

With this decision, Guinea has been fully reintegrated into ECOWAS's decision-making bodies and regional activities. The bloc also extended its congratulations to Doumbouya on his election.

Doumbouya assumed the presidency earlier this month, with the support of tens of thousands of citizens and several state leaders. His leadership began with the ousting of Condé in 2021, which led to restrictions on civil liberties and a ban on protests. Numerous political opponents have faced arrest, trial, or exile.

ECOWAS has urged President Doumbouya to implement policies that promote social cohesion, national unity, and inclusive prosperity for the Guinean population. The country's Supreme Court confirmed Doumbouya's electoral victory, with an attributed vote share of 86.7 percent.

Based on reporting by Africanews.