Guinea’s military leader General Mamady Doumbouya has issued a firm “Stay Home” order to his ministers in a move that would make Uganda’s village LC1 chairman jealous of the level of control. According to Doumbouya, no more government paid globe trotting without his permission, effective immediately. Forget that conference in Paris or that “diplomatic” shopping spree in Dubai—if you’re a minister in Guinea, you better be back on your office chair before year end.
On October 12, 2024, Doumbouya’s office released a stern statement: “On the instructions of the president,” ministers who are abroad must immediately return to Guinea, and those planning any business trips should forget about it unless the general himself gives the nod. In other words, this is Doumbouya’s version of sending a “Please Call Me” to his ministers before they book that flight.
The government’s official reason? Cutting public spending. Apparently, all those overseas trips have left Guinea’s budget looking like a boda boda rider’s fuel gauge after a full day of deliveries—running on fumes. To keep things running smoothly, the junta decided it’s time to hit the brakes on unnecessary expenditure, especially since the country’s finances are tighter than the grip of an overeager handshaker at a Ugandan kwanjula ceremony.
According to government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, this decision is all about “government efficacy” and “optimal management of the state’s resources.” Translation: if you’re a minister thinking of sneaking out of the country for a little “business trip,” the only journey you’ll be taking is from your office to a meeting room. Guinea’s diplomats and a few lucky senior officials can still represent the country abroad, but ministers? They’re staying put like a Kampala commuter waiting for a taxi in the rain.
Doumbouya, a former colonel turned general, has been the big man in Guinea since September 2021, after pulling off a coup that surprised no one but probably gave a few regional leaders some sleepless nights. Initially, he promised to hand over power to civilian rule by the end of 2024, but much like a Ugandan who promises to leave a wedding reception “soon” but stays for hours, Doumbouya has admitted that deadline is going to be missed.
And now, in true African leader fashion, some of his loyal ministers are even suggesting that Doumbouya should run in the next presidential election. After all, once you’ve tasted power, stepping down can be harder than explaining why you still haven’t paid your SACCOS loan.
Guinea’s ministers are now stuck at home, perhaps daydreaming of better days when they could hop on a plane and enjoy a nice “official visit” abroad. Until Doumbouya says otherwise, the only international trip they’ll be making is on Google Maps.
