Guinea’s Transitional Leader pledges constitutional referendum in early 2025

General Mamadi Doumbouya, Guinea’s transitional president, used his New Year’s address, to reaffirm a commitment to restore constitutional order. He announced that in the first quarter of 2025, his administration will sign a decree to organize a referendum on a new constitution. This pledge represents the latest milestone in Guinea’s ongoing transition following the 2021 coup that unseated the previous government.

Doumbouya highlighted several key objectives. Chief among them is drafting a fresh constitution that aligns with the aspirations of the Guinean people and ensures transparent, stable governance. He underscored plans to hold presidential, legislative, and local elections later in 2025, emphasizing that these contests should be inclusive, fair, and supported by republican values. The adoption of the new constitution will formally conclude the transitional period and mark the return to constitutional rule.

A panel of Guinean experts will review the draft constitution, after which the National Transitional Council will consider it before placing it on the referendum ballot. A revised electoral code is also scheduled for finalization in 2025, setting out regulations for credible campaigning and efficient vote administration.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Doumbouya underscored the necessity of peace and unity for meaningful progress. He called on citizens to support the transition, warning that further political unrest could hamper the nation’s path toward stability. Guineans, he said, must work together to foster a modern and prosperous state that upholds the rights of all.