Guinea’s Mamadi Doumbouya, the 36-year-old colonel who seized power in a 2021 coup, is set to be sworn in as the elected head of state on Saturday. The broad-shouldered military man has undergone a remarkable transformation, ditching his military fatigues and mirrored sunglasses in favour of a more relaxed, civilian-friendly image.
Doumbouya, now 41, won 87% of the vote in December’s election, despite criticism from exiled opposition figures who have described the process as a “charade.” While enjoying some popular support, the president-elect’s democratic credentials have been questioned, with reports of political parties being banned, activists disappearing, and media outlets being shut down.
The army general has carefully curated his public image, moving away from his military persona and embracing a more approachable, “man of the people” persona. He has been photographed at the opening of schools, transport and mining infrastructure, and cycling through the streets of the capital, Conakry. The message is clear: Doumbouya is a civilian leader who is working on behalf of the people.
However, some analysts are sceptical of this transformation, arguing that the military costume may still remain, even as Doumbouya conducts the return to civilian order. Human rights campaigners have raised concerns about the whereabouts of two activists who have been missing since July 2024, suspecting they were taken by the military.
Despite these concerns, the 2021 coup was widely welcomed in Guinea, and Doumbouya appears to have remained a popular figure. Polling data shows that the proportion of people who trust the president either “partially” or “a lot” grew from 46% to 53% between 2022 and 2024.
Doumbouya’s emphasis on Guinean sovereignty and control over the country’s natural resources, including the vast iron-ore reserves in Simandou, has resonated with the public. The government’s messaging on the development of these resources, which began to be exported last month, suggests that the success or failure of this project may define Doumbouya’s presidency.
As Doumbouya prepares to take office, he faces the challenge of balancing his military background with the expectations of a civilian-led government. His ability to navigate this transition and address the country’s pressing issues, such as poverty and resource management, will be closely watched by both Guineans and the international community.