Guinea’s transitional president unveils government structure

Structure suggested by civilian prime minister has 25 cabinet portfolios

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Guinea’s transitional President Col. Mamadi Doumbouya unveiled his government’s structure Friday ahead of naming Cabinet ministers.

According to a presidential decree read on state media, 25 Cabinet portfolios will be filled -- a lean Cabinet to be headed by civilian Prime Minister Mohamed Beavogui who assumed office Friday.

The structure suggested by the prime minister reflects changes to the previous Cabinet of deposed President Alpha Conde.

It also has a provision for two Secretaries-General, one in charge of the government and another in charge of religious affairs.

The International Cooperation Ministry has been merged with Foreign Affairs; while Hydraulics was consumed by the Energy Ministry.

The Commerce Ministry that previously enjoyed a degree of independence, was merged with the Industry and SMEs.

Beavogui promised to create conditions to allow Guineans to talk and consult to build the country.

The mission during the transition is clear, he said: to create necessary conditions for Guineans in a context of dialogue, fraternity, and broad consultation, to build the Guinea of tomorrow.

The failure to create conditions for dialogue led to regular crises which eventually saw the army take power under the leadership of Doumbouya, he said.

Beavogui said the transitional government will be at the service of the people while ensuring a credible, fair and transparent environment for a smooth political transition.

Beavogui, who was named Prime Minister of the Transition government on Wednesday, promised to carry out his new role with “honor and dignity.”

Talking to reporters, he said what is vital is to build the foundations for change needed to enable the political bit to function in the best conditions so that the best candidate wins elections.

“We are here, as the president said, to serve, to create these conditions and leave,” he said.

Doumbouya, who overthrew Conde on Sep. 5, was sworn in Oct. 1 by the Supreme Court.

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