Guinea has rejoined the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) three years after its suspension following a military coup that ousted President Alpha Condé.
The decision, made this week at a meeting chaired by OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo from Rwanda, comes with a call for the country to continue its efforts on human rights and freedoms.
It follows the presence of several experts in Guinea who have been supporting its transition process on issues such as electoral files and election organisation.
“What was decisive for the member states was noting Guinea’s commitment and willingness to emerge from the crisis and return to constitutional order," OIF spokesperson Oria Kije Vande Weghe said.
"Guinea has always sought the Francophonie’s support. It is this willingness that was crucial for lifting the suspension.”
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Precedent set
The OIF's decision sets a precedent for other suspended nations and is intended to be applicable to all suspended countries.
Guinea’s reinstatement was thanks to its progress in the transition process and its strong international ties, including with the OIF, Vande Weghe added.
For now, he said, it's the only country demonstrating the level of openness needed for this type of collaborative support.
OIF experts have been present in Guinea continuously working with local authorities, said Guinean Foreign Minister Morrissanda Kouyaté.
“The OIF supports us in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. When this is established, both parties can achieve results like those we have here,” he said.
(with newswires)
