Guinea’s President Starts Off Talks on Constitutional Change

(Bloomberg) -- Guinean President Alpha Conde asked his government to start consultations on constitutional changes ahead of elections next year, a process that could enable him to seek a third term in office.

In his first public address about a possible amendment of the West African nation’s supreme law, Conde said it will be for Guineans to decide whether or not they want the constitution changed. Senior government officials have increasingly voiced their support for an amendment on the grounds that the constitution isn’t clear on some clauses.

“Before taking any personal position, I have the duty to listen to everyone,” Conde, 81, said Wednesday in an address broadcast on state television. “I instruct the prime minister to initiate consultations to gather the opinions of others in an open exchange,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana.

Conde didn’t mention the changes that he thought were necessary.

New Term

The opposition and civil-society groups allege that the proposed changes are primarily meant to enable Conde to stay in power. The constitution only allows for two five-year terms. The former justice minister resigned in May because he opposes the plan.

In January, the then-Russian ambassador to Guinea heaped praise on Conde in a speech on state TV before saying that constitutions aren’t the Bible or the Koran and can be changed. The ambassador, Alexander Bregadze, was appointed in May as head of United Co. Rusal’s Guinea office.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ougna Camara in Conakry at ocamara@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Andre Janse van Vuuren at ajansevanvuu@bloomberg.net, Helen Nyambura

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