Guinea Bans Ministers from Foreign Travel

General Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of Guinea's military junta, has imposed a ban on ministers traveling abroad without his authorization, effective immediately until the end of the year. All ministers currently outside the country have been ordered to return home, and those on international missions must cease their activities and come back. This directive aims to reduce public expenditures and enhance the government's efficiency in managing state resources, as stated by government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo. Senior government officials and diplomats are still permitted to represent Guinea abroad with Doumbouya's approval. The junta leader, who seized power in September 2021, had previously promised a return to civilian rule by 2024 but recently indicated that this commitment may not be fulfilled. Amidst these developments, there are speculations regarding Doumbouya's potential candidacy for the next presidential election.