News|ElectionsMilitary leader Doumbouya sworn in as Guinea’s presidentDoumbouya was declared victor in the West African country’s first election since he led the 2021 military takeover.

Mamady Doumbouya, who led a military takeover in Guinea in 2021, has been inaugurated as the President of Guinea. The inauguration took place on Sat, Dec 30, 2025, following his victory in the recent presidential election.

This election marks the first since the deposition of former President Alpha Conde. Despite initially stating he would not run, Doumbouya participated in the election alongside eight other candidates. Notably, his primary opponents were in exile, with the opposition advocating for an election boycott. The Supreme Court of Guinea later confirmed Doumbouya's victory with 86.7% of the vote.

The inauguration was held at the General Lansana Conte Stadium near Conakry, where Doumbouya took an oath to uphold the constitution. This constitution was recently amended to allow his candidacy. The ceremony was attended by heads of state from various African nations, as well as vice presidents from countries including China and Nigeria.

Constitutional Changes and Policy Impact

The newly approved constitution permits military leadership members to run for office and extends presidential terms from five to seven years, with a limit of two terms. Doumbouya justified the military takeover by citing corruption and economic mismanagement under the previous administration. During his leadership, state institutions were dissolved, and the constitution was suspended, with negotiations ongoing with regional bodies like ECOWAS for a democratic transition.

Doumbouya has pledged to address poverty, which affects approximately 52% of the population, by leveraging Guinea's natural resources, including substantial iron ore deposits and the world's largest reserves of bauxite. His administration has faced criticism for restricting civil liberties and targeting political opposition.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.