Guinea Constitutional Referendum: ECOWAS Mission Meets Foreign Affairs Minister, AU Head of Mission, Charts A Credible Road Map.

By Raymond Enoch

In the lead-up to Guinea’s pivotal constitutional referendum scheduled for September 21, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified its observation and engagement efforts by holding high-level meetings with both national authorities and continental partners.

On September 19, the ECOWAS Technical Observation Mission paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Dr. Morissanda KOUYATÉ, Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Abroad, in the capital, Conakry. The mission’s visit comes at a critical moment in Guinea’s political transition, as the nation prepares for a referendum that could mark a turning point in its journey back to democratic constitutional order following years of political uncertainty.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the objectives and expectations of the referendum, the overall political climate, and the importance of inclusive and transparent democratic processes. Dr. Kouyaté reiterated the Guinean government’s commitment to a peaceful and credible referendum, and expressed appreciation for ECOWAS’s continued support and presence in Guinea during this historic period.

The ECOWAS Mission also held a strategic consultation with the African Union (AU) Election Observation Mission, led by Ambassador Calixte Aristide MBARI. Ambassador Mbari currently serves as the Head of Division for Democracy, Elections, Constitutionalism, Rule of Law, and Transitional Justice at the African Union Commission.

In a show of pan-African solidarity and institutional coordination, both ECOWAS and the AU reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the constitutional referendum proceeds under conditions of fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights. The meeting focused on harmonizing observation methodologies and sharing intelligence on the electoral landscape to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize impact.

The two missions also discussed the importance of post-referendum stability and the need to provide sustained support to Guinea in the aftermath of the vote. In line with the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity, and comparative advantage, ECOWAS and the AU expressed their willingness to consider joint initiatives aimed at reinforcing democratic governance and strengthening institutional resilience in Guinea throughout the forthcoming electoral cycle.

The upcoming constitutional referendum is widely seen as a keystone event in Guinea’s roadmap to democratic normalization. Following years of political upheaval and military intervention, the referendum represents a formal step toward restoring constitutional rule and laying the groundwork for inclusive civilian governance.

Observers note that the engagement of ECOWAS and the AU at this high level signals the seriousness with which the regional and continental organizations regard Guinea’s transition. Both organizations have been instrumental in mediation and peace-building efforts across West Africa, and their continued involvement is expected to lend credibility and oversight to Guinea’s democratic processes.

As the country prepares to head to the polls, the presence of international observers, regional cooperation, and constructive dialogue between stakeholders underscore a cautiously optimistic outlook for Guinea’s return to constitutional order — a goal long awaited by the Guinean people and strongly backed by its international partners.