Mon Jan 05 06:36:35 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Guinea’s Supreme Court has upheld the election victory of General Mamadi Doumbouya, solidifying his position as President after leading a coup in 2021. Despite accusations of electoral manipulation from the runner-up (who later withdrew his petition), Doumbouya’s win of 86.7% of the vote was confirmed. The election was conducted under a new Constitution allowing military leaders to run and extending presidential terms. Critics argue Doumbouya has suppressed opposition, leaving him with a relatively easy path to victory. While Guinea possesses vast mineral wealth, poverty and food insecurity remain widespread. A key project is the Chinese-backed Simandou iron ore project, which recently began production.
News Article:
Guinea Supreme Court Confirms Doumbouya’s Election Victory After 2021 Coup
Conakry, Guinea – January 5, 2026 – Guinea’s Supreme Court has ratified the election victory of General Mamadi Doumbouya, confirming his transition from junta leader to democratically elected President. The ruling, issued Sunday, the fourth of January solidifies Doumbouya’s power four years after he seized control of the West African nation in a 2021 coup.
According to the General Directorate of Elections, Doumbouya secured a landslide victory, garnering 86.7% of the vote in the December 28th election. Runner-up Yero Balde, who received 6.59% of the vote, initially filed a petition alleging electoral manipulation but withdrew it prior to the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Today, there are neither winners nor losers. There is only one Guinea, united and indivisible,” Doumbouya declared in a broadcast, calling for national unity and a focus on “peace, justice, shared prosperity, and fully assumed political and economic sovereignty.”
The election was conducted under a newly adopted Constitution that lifted the ban on military leaders seeking office and extended the presidential term from five to seven years. Critics contend that Doumbouya has stifled political opposition since the 2021 coup, contributing to his dominant performance in the election.
Political analyst N’Faly Guilavogui noted that the weakened opposition inadvertently “focused attention on Mamadi Doumbouya as the only key figure capable of ensuring the continuity of the state.” He added that Guineans are now waiting to see what steps Doumbouya will take to promote political stability and reconciliation.
Despite Guinea’s rich mineral resources, including its status as the world’s largest exporter of bauxite, the population faces significant economic challenges. Over half of Guinea’s 15 million citizens are experiencing high levels of poverty and food insecurity, according to the World Food Program.
The Doumbouya government has prioritized the Simandou mega-mining project, a 75% Chinese-owned venture focusing on the world’s largest iron ore deposit. Production at the Simandou site commenced in December after decades of delays.
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