AFRICA/GUINEA – Controversy over President Doumbouya’s vacationin Greece as opposition and citizens remain divided

Conakry – Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya’s decision to take a few days of private vacation in Greece with his family has sparked political debate in the country, drawing criticism from the opposition and fuelling discussion on social media.
The Presidency described the trip as a routine period of rest as part of the Head of State’s annual leave, stressing that government affairs would continue as normal during his absence.
However, concerns were raised after General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Chief of Staff, appeared on national television the day after the President’s departure to read a statement on behalf of the armed forces, reaffirming their “constant fidelity” and “unwavering loyalty” to the President of the Republic, the institutions of the Republic and the people of Guinea.
The General also urged citizens “not to give in to disinformation” and to “remain calm in their daily activities.”
In recent months, the President had already been the subject of speculation about his health following a prolonged absence from public life. The government sought to reassure public opinion, stating that he had been undergoing routine medical examinations and taking a period of rest.
According to French investigative journalist Thomas Dietrich, an analysis of the flight data relating to the Head of State’s journey suggests that two aircraft departed from Conakry airport on August 3. Alongside the presidential aircraft, a private jet registered in the Virgin Islands, which had arrived the previous day from southern France, also took off. The two aircraft, departing one after the other, flew to the Greek island of Mykonos before taking off again shortly afterwards and landing in Larnaca, Cyprus.
According to these reports, there is speculation that President Doumbouya may have been discreetly admitted to a medical facility there.
Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a military coup in 2021 and was re-elected at the end of 2025, is accused by the opposition of having established an oppressive regime that governs through fear.

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