By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership role in West Africa as Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the swearing-in and inauguration of Mamadi Doumbouya as President of Guinea on Sunday, 18 January, 2026.
The ceremony, which formally ended a four-year military transition in the country, took place at the GLC Stadium in Nongo, Conakry, following Doumbouya’s victory in the December 2025 general elections.
The Vice President’s participation was confirmed in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.
According to the statement, Shettima’s presence highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance and regional stability, while simultaneously reinforcing the country’s long-standing leadership position within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Under Guinea’s new constitution, which was approved through a national referendum in September 2025, President Doumbouya is set to serve a single seven-year term, renewable once, thereby extending the previous five-year tenure.
AThe inauguration ceremony attracted several African leaders, particularly from West Africa, including representatives from Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Additionally, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, attended alongside heads and senior officials from Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and other African nations.
In his inaugural address, President Doumbouya pledged to uphold Guinea’s constitution and democratic principles.
He promised to pursue transparent governance and protect the interests of all Guineans, while also stressing that peace and national cohesion would remain non-negotiable under his administration.
Officials further explained that Nigeria’s representation aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which positions the country as a stabilising force in the region and promotes democracy as a foundation for shared prosperity.
Moreover, Vice President Shettima’s visit served to strengthen bilateral relations and expand economic cooperation between Nigeria and Guinea. The ceremony also drew a large turnout of citizens, who joined in celebrations across the Guinean capital.
By attending the inauguration, Nigeria not only demonstrated solidarity with Guinea’s democratic transition but also reaffirmed its active role in promoting stability and democratic governance throughout the West African sub-region.
