Guinea’s presidency on Monday moved to quell speculation over President Mamady Doumbouya’s prolonged absence, insisting he is “in good health” following weeks out of the public eye.
The 41-year-old leader left Guinea on 13 February to attend an African Union summit in Addis Ababa and has not returned since. His extended stay abroad sparked rumours about his condition, prompting aides to clarify that there was no cause for concern.
According to Thierno Mamadou Bah, Doumbouya used the opportunity to undergo a routine medical check-up. “He took advantage of the chance to undergo a routine medical check-up, as prudent leaders do when they are concerned with maintaining their full capacity to act,” Bah said.
“I can state, with the utmost clarity, that the results are reassuring, everything is going very well,” he added.
Doumbouya seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted Guinea’s first democratically elected president, Alpha Conde. Since then, his administration has faced criticism for restricting civil liberties and banning public protests.
In December, Doumbouya was elected to a seven-year presidential term in a vote from which major opposition figures were barred. In the months leading up to the election, he made limited public appearances, surfacing briefly during the campaign and again to cast his ballot.
He returned to the spotlight in January for his swearing-in ceremony and later addressed leaders at the African Union summit in February.
Presidential advisers say Doumbouya is expected back in Conakry “in the next few days,” seeking to put an end to speculation surrounding his absence.
Melissa Enoch
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