By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The African Union (AU) has announced the lifting of sanctions earlier imposed on Guinea following the successful presidential elections in December 2025, which returned the erstwhile junta leader, Mamady Doumbouya as elected President.
AU says it recognizes Guinea’s progress in implementing the Political Transition Roadmap, which led to the country’s return to constitutional order.
The pan-African body had described the December presidential election as a positive step in the implementation of the Political Transition Roadmap.
The roadmap led to the successful December 28, 2025 presidential election in the West African nation.
The AU Peace and Security Council lauded Guinea’s progress on its political transition roadmap and the orderly conduct of the presidential vote.
But despite AU’s endorsement, civil society groups and opposition candidates have criticized the election. They condemn the poll as a “charade“ and rife with irregularities, indicating a lack of confidence in the process.
Doumbouya has been sworn-in as President, marking his transition from military leader to a civilian president.
Since ousting the country’s first freely elected President Alpha Condé five years ago, Doumbouya has faced criticism for clamping down on civil liberties and banning demonstrations.
He earlier promised not to take part in the December election, a vow he reneged on. Before the election, his political rivals were arrested, put on trial, or forced into exile.
