Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Conakry (Fides News Agency) – “Wherever I may be, I continue to serve only our country and its people. Have a good week, Guineans.” With this message posted on X, Guinean President Mamadi Doumbouya sought to dispel rumours and speculation about his health after leaving the country for a holiday in Greece (see Fides, 5/8/2026).
The post was accompanied by photographs showing the President with his family aboard a boat.
In his message, Doumbouya said he was proud of the positive progress being made by the country and its institutions. “Nothing will prevent us from continuing to serve the nation and achieving our goal of improving the well-being of our citizens,” he wrote.
The President’s post comes in response to persistent speculation about his health—fuelled by what some observers have described as a more fragile appearance in recent months, previous absences from public view, and unconfirmed reports of medical examinations or even a hospital stay—as well as questions about political continuity. Shortly after his departure from Conakry, the armed forces reaffirmed their “unwavering loyalty” to the Head of State.
Before leaving the country, President Doumbouya issued a decree on 4 August 2026 appointing General Amara Camara, Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency, to coordinate presidential affairs and ensure the continuity of government activities during his absence.
Meanwhile, since 28 July, the authorities in Conakry have blocked access, without providing any official explanation, to several social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, among the most widely used in the country. Many Guineans have bypassed the restrictions by using virtual private networks (VPNs). Several civil society organizations have condemned the measure, arguing that it constitutes yet another violation of citizens’ fundamental rights and harms the country’s economy.
The latest restrictions on access to social media come during a relatively calm period. Previous shutdowns—in May 2023, from November 2023 to February 2024, and again in April 2026—were generally linked to public demonstrations, political tensions or electoral deadlines.
(L.M.) (Fides News Agency, 7/8/2026)
