Guinea Presidency Affirms Doumbouya's Good Health Amid Stretched Absence

On Monday, the Guinean presidency sought to alleviate worries surrounding President Mamady Doumbouya's extended absence, confirming he is 'in good health' after weeks away from public engagement.

President Doumbouya, aged 41, departed Guinea on February 13 to participate in an African Union summit held in Addis Ababa and has yet to return. His prolonged stay overseas raised suspicions about his health, prompting officials to assert that there is no reason for alarm.

Thierno Mamadou Bah, an aide, stated that Doumbouya utilized this time for a routine medical check-up, explaining, '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 further added, 'I can state, with the utmost clarity, that the results are reassuring, everything is going very well.'

Doumbouya came to power in a coup in 2021, which removed Guinea’s first democratically elected president, Alpha Conde. Since taking office, his government has faced criticism for limiting civil freedoms and prohibiting public demonstrations.

Last December, Doumbouya was elected to a seven-year presidential term during a controversial election that saw major opposition figures excluded. Prior to the election, he made few public appearances, only appearing briefly for campaign activities and on voting day.

He re-emerged in January for his inauguration ceremony and subsequently spoke at the African Union summit in February.

Advisers to the President have indicated that Doumbouya is anticipated to return to Conakry 'in the next few days,' aiming to quell ongoing speculation regarding his absence.