In a move aimed at tightening government spending, Guinea’s military junta leader, General Mamady Doumbouya, has imposed a travel ban on his ministers, barring them from traveling abroad without his direct authorization. Effective immediately and lasting until the end of the year, the order applies to all ministers currently outside the country, who have been instructed to return home.
The directive, announced on Thursday by the government’s general secretary, signals a strong shift towards controlling the movement of key officials. “On the instructions of the president,” the statement read, “all ministers on mission abroad are to complete their work and return to national territory.” The immediate recall comes amid efforts to cut back on public spending, as explained by government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo.
Diallo elaborated that the decision was made to ensure more effective governance and better management of the nation’s resources. “This measure strengthens the government’s efficiency while ensuring optimal management of the state’s resources,” he said. However, senior government members and diplomats are still permitted to represent Guinea abroad, allowing for some degree of international engagement.
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General Doumbouya, who took control of Guinea in September 2021 following a coup, has since positioned himself at the center of the country’s political affairs. Originally a colonel, Doumbouya was later promoted to general and now serves as the country’s president. His administration initially pledged to return Guinea to civilian rule by the end of 2024, under pressure from the international community. However, recent indications suggest that this timeline will not be met, raising concerns over Guinea’s political future.
Amid speculation about his political ambitions, some government officials have expressed support for Doumbouya running in the next presidential election, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.
