During a recent visit to Ivory Coast on June 17, 2025, Guinea’s transitional president, General Mamadi Doumbouya, met with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara to discuss pressing issues, including Guinea’s political future.
President Ouattara urged his Guinean counterpart to prioritize calm and accelerate the return to constitutional order—a call that sparked diverse reactions within Guinea’s political landscape.
Édouard Zoutomou Kpogomou, leader of the Democratic Union for Renewal and Progress (UDRP) and a prominent voice in Guinea’s Forces Vives opposition coalition, shares his candid assessment of the situation.
Reflecting on the timing of General Doumbouya’s visit to Ivory Coast, Zoutomou questioned its purpose, noting that “the junta has been in power for nearly four years.”
He emphasized that key regional leaders, including Ouattara himself and Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo, had engaged Guinea early on to offer guidance following the coup.
“If there was useful advice to give, it should have been done then,” Zoutomou said, expressing skepticism about what new objectives Doumbouya might have now.
He added, “The fact that he is now turning to Ivory Coast leaves me a little perplexed,” though he hopes it signals a sincere search for counsel on peaceful elections.
Responding to Ouattara’s call for calm and a constitutional transition, Zoutomou stressed the vital importance of authentic dialogue: “What has been lacking so far is a genuine framework for dialogue… where everyone comes with their demands or proposals, and decisions are collectively constructed.”
He lamented that previous attempts by the opposition to engage the ruling CNRD have resulted in “window-dressing” rather than meaningful talks.
On whether Ouattara’s appeal could sway the transition, Zoutomou remains cautiously pessimistic: “Much has changed… The CNRD seems determined to see its project through to the end, regardless of regional recommendations.”
He highlighted the erosion of ECOWAS’s influence and credibility, warning of compromises and external pressures undermining efforts to resolve Guinea’s crisis.
Ultimately, Zoutomou calls for regional partners to adopt a firm stance.
“If ECOWAS truly believes in its mission, let it see it through to the end,” he urged.
“The essential thing is not only to organize elections, but above all to have their results accepted by all.
This is what guarantees peace.”
Without such commitment and genuine dialogue, he warns, Guinea’s transitional process is “doomed to failure.”
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