African Union moves to lift Guinea's suspension after successful transition to constitutional rule

The African Union took a significant step toward reintegrating Guinea into its fold Thursday as the chairperson of the AU Commission recommended lifting the country's suspension imposed after a 2021 military coup, Anadolu Ajansı reported.

During the 1325th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf informed members that Guinea had reached a "decisive milestone" in its political transition. He highlighted the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of presidential elections in late 2025, which he said had effectively restored constitutional order in the West African nation.

"On this basis, and in line with the Commission’s assessment, he urged the Peace and Security Council to lift Guinea’s suspension from the African Union," according to an official AU readout from the session.

Youssouf emphasized that this milestone should be followed by continued efforts to strengthen democratic governance, uphold the rule of law, and promote social cohesion. He reaffirmed the AU's ongoing commitment to supporting Guinea in consolidating peace, stability and sustainable development.

Guinea has been under a military-led transition since Sept. 5, 2021, when special forces commander Colonel Mamady Doumbouya ousted elected President Alpha Conde amid widespread protests over Conde’s controversial third-term bid and perceived authoritarian drift. The coup dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and prompted swift suspensions by the AU, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other international bodies, which demanded a rapid return to civilian rule.

The transitional authorities under Doumbouya, who assumed the title of interim president, initially promised reforms to address corruption and poverty. A transitional charter was adopted, but delays pushed back timelines for elections. In September last year, a referendum approved a new constitution with strong official support of around 89%, extending presidential terms to seven years, establishing a bicameral legislature including a Senate, and removing barriers that had prevented junta members from contesting elections.

This paved the way for presidential elections on Dec. 28 — the first since the coup — where Doumbouya won decisively with over 86% of the vote, according to official results later confirmed by the Supreme Court. International observers, including an AU election mission, noted the smooth conduct of the vote while urging inclusive follow-up steps such as legislative and local elections.

The development marks a potential turning point for Guinea, a major bauxite producer, as it seeks to normalize relations with regional and international partners while addressing ongoing challenges in governance and national unity. The AU reiterated its readiness to accompany Guinea in these efforts.