Guinea's military junta enforces travel ban on ministers

Guinea’s military junta chief, General Mamady Doumbouya, has imposed a ban on ministers traveling abroad without his explicit permission.

This directive, announced by his office, mandates that all ministers currently on official missions outside the country must return home immediately.

“On the instructions of the president, it is required of all ministers on mission abroad to finish up and return to national territory,” the statement declared.

This measure is effective right away and will remain in place until the end of the year.

The decision comes as several ministers are currently abroad, raising questions about the government’s priorities and fiscal responsibility. Government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo explained that this travel restriction is part of a broader strategy to reduce public expenditures.

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The spokesman emphasized that the measure “reinforces government efficacy while assuring an optimal management of the state’s resources,” as he communicated to AFP.

Despite the travel ban for ministers, senior government officials and diplomats will still be permitted to represent Guinea on the international stage, ensuring that the nation maintains some level of diplomatic engagement abroad.

General Doumbouya, a former colonel who has risen to power since seizing control of the West African nation in September 2021, has faced scrutiny regarding his commitment to restoring civilian rule. Initially, the junta agreed to transition back to civilian governance by the end of 2024 but has recently signaled that it may not honor this timeline.