Guinea’s interim leader, Mamady Doumbouya, has announced he will run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for December 28, 2025.
Doumbouya seized power in 2021, ousting then-President Alpha Condé. At the time, he promised not to run for president, but a new constitution passed in September now allows him to do so.
The new law requires presidential candidates to be between 40 and 80 years old and reside in Guinea, effectively disqualifying former President Condé (87) and ex-Prime Minister Silué Diallo (73).
Several other leaders, including former Prime Minister Lansina Kouyaté and former Foreign Minister Haja Maklé Kimara, have also submitted their nominations.
Guinea is economically significant due to its large bauxite reserves and iron mines in the Simandou region. Experts warn that if Doumbouya wins, his continued rule could extend military influence in the country for another five years, raising concerns about permanent military control.
