Mamadi Doumbouya, head of Guinea’s military government, has banned ministers from traveling abroad without permission and has recalled all ministers currently abroad, the government announced.
The statement issued on Thursday is effective immediately and will remain in place until the end of the year, the government secretary said.
“At the direction of the President,” the statement read, “all Cabinet members serving overseas are required to complete their assignments and return home.”
Several ministers are currently abroad.
Government spokesperson Ousmane Gauar Diallo said the decision was taken to reduce public spending.
He told AFP that the measure would “strengthen the government’s effectiveness while ensuring optimal management of state resources.”
He added that senior government sector officials and diplomats can continue to represent the country abroad.
Doumbouya, a former colonel and current president of the West African country who rose to the rank of general, assumed power in September 2021.
The junta initially bowed to international pressure to return power to civilian rule by the end of 2024.
However, the company later admitted that it would not fulfill its promise.
Several government officials have expressed support for Doumbouya’s candidacy in the next presidential election.
