The African Union (AU) has advanced a major step toward reintegrating Guinea into its continental framework, as the Chairperson of the AU Commission recommended ending the country's suspension imposed after a 2021 military coup. During the 1325th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) held on January 22, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf informed members that Guinea had achieved a "decisive milestone" in its political transition.
Youssouf highlighted the adoption of a new constitution through a September 2025 referendum and the successful conduct of presidential elections on December 28, 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.
The recommendation aligns with broader calls from the AU, including a January 4, 2026, communiqué from Youssouf congratulating the Guinean people on their peaceful participation in the electoral process and urging the lifting of sanctions to support ongoing reforms. The AU Election Observation Mission, led by former Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye, had similarly described the December vote as "peaceful, orderly and credible," consistent with international standards and national law, while recommending the removal of suspension as a gesture of solidarity to bolster national reconciliation and democratic consolidation.
In line with these assessments, the PSC formally decided to lift Guinea's suspension, in accordance with Article 26 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The Council invited Guinea to immediately resume participation in AU activities, congratulated President Mamady Doumbouya, and encouraged him to fulfill commitments to restore the dignity of the Guinean people through inclusive governance, rule of law, and social cohesion. The decision praised the transitional authorities' implementation of the political roadmap and acknowledged support from the AU Commission—including mechanisms like the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transition (AFSIT)—and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Guinea's suspension originated from the September 5, 2021, coup led by then-Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, commander of the special forces. The takeover ousted elected President Alpha Condé amid mass protests against his controversial third-term bid, perceived constitutional manipulations, and authoritarian tendencies. The junta dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the National Assembly, prompting immediate condemnations and suspensions by the AU, ECOWAS, and other partners, who demanded a swift return to civilian constitutional rule.
Under Doumbouya, who assumed the title of interim president, the transitional government adopted a charter promising reforms to combat corruption, improve governance, and address poverty in one of Africa's poorest nations despite its vast mineral wealth. Initial timelines for elections faced delays, drawing criticism from regional bodies and civil society. However, progress accelerated in 2025: a constitutional referendum on September 21, 2025, approved a new charter with around 89% support, extending presidential terms to seven years, creating a bicameral legislature with a Senate, and removing restrictions that had barred junta members from contesting future elections.
The December 28, 2025, presidential election—the first since the coup—saw Doumbouya secure a decisive victory with 86.72% of the vote, according to provisional results from the General Directorate of Elections, later validated by the Supreme Court on January 4, 2026. Opposition candidate Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé of the Democratic Front of Guinea placed second with 6.59%, followed by others with smaller shares. The AU mission noted the vote's peaceful environment and high turnout, though it called for inclusive follow-up measures, including legislative and local elections to further entrench democracy.
The election outcome and subsequent inauguration of Doumbouya as president on January 17, 2026—attended by Youssouf and other regional leaders—marked the formal conclusion of the transition. Analysts view the AU's decision as pragmatic, mirroring approaches in similar cases like Gabon, where suspensions were lifted post-election despite debates over coup perpetrators contesting polls. It prioritizes stabilization and reintegration over strict adherence to anti-coup norms in certain contexts.
Guinea, a leading global bauxite producer and home to the emerging Simandou iron ore project, stands to benefit from normalized relations. The lifting of suspension facilitates renewed access to AU forums, technical assistance, and diplomatic channels, aiding economic recovery, investment attraction, and regional cooperation. ECOWAS had similarly eased some measures earlier, reflecting a continental preference for supporting completed transitions.
Challenges persist. Critics, including some opposition figures and analysts like Beverly Ochieng of Control Risks, describe the AU move as largely symbolic, offering legitimacy to the former junta leader without guaranteeing deep reforms. Concerns remain over opposition exclusion from the ballot, media freedoms, civil society space, and addressing root causes of the 2021 coup—such as governance deficits and economic inequality.
The AU reiterated its commitment to accompany Guinea in consolidating peace, stability, and sustainable development. The Council underscored the need for continued support in good governance, timely legislative elections, and international partnerships to tackle underlying issues. As Guinea resumes full AU participation, focus shifts to implementation: strengthening institutions, promoting national unity, and ensuring inclusive politics to prevent future instability.
This development highlights evolving AU approaches to unconstitutional changes of government—balancing zero-tolerance for coups with pragmatic recognition of successful transitions. For Guinea's more than 13 million people, it signals potential stability after years of uncertainty, though sustained progress will depend on the new administration's actions.
