The leader of the Guinean junta that toppled President Alpha Conde earlier this month will serve as president in a transitional government that will run the West African nation until elections are held.
Colonel Mamady Doumbouya will lead a government composed of a civilian cabinet, according to a transition charter emailed to reporters. None of the members of the transitional government will be allowed to run for office in the next elections.
The duration of the transition will be determined by the junta, in consultation with various groups including politicians, civil society and labor unions, according to the charter.
The Economic Community of West African States earlier this month ordered the junta to hold elections within six months, opting for a tight deadline after a string of coups in the region. The regional bloc also imposed a travel ban on junta members and their families, and a freeze on their financial assets.
An 81-member transitional council will act as the country’s parliament and ensure that the charter is followed. As president of the transition, Doumbouya will appoint all council members, which will include representatives of broader society, ranging from political groups to farmers and Guineans living abroad. Women will account for at least 30% of all councilors.
An Ecowas delegation led by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and Ivory Coast leader Alassane Ouattara repeated a call to release Conde, 83, after meeting the junta in the Guinean capital, Conakry. The deposed leader has been held in detention since the Sept. 5 coup.
Guinea is the world’s largest exporter of bauxite, which is used to make aluminum. The power grab roiled the metals market, helping to push aluminum to a 13-year high.
