Gambiaj.com – (PARIS, France) – The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) has on Wednesday officially lifted the suspension of the Republic of Guinea, allowing the country to resume full participation in the organization. The announcement was made following an extraordinary session of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie (CPF), presided over by Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo.

Guinea’s suspension, which was enacted in 2021 due to concerns about constitutional order and human rights, has now been fully revoked. While the CPF emphasized the importance of continued reforms in rights and freedoms, the decision to lift the suspension reflects the organization’s solidarity with Guinea as it progresses in its democratic transition.

This decision follows the implementation of a new monitoring and evaluation mechanism, adopted in June 2024, aimed at gradually reinstating suspended member states. The mechanism focuses on evaluating progress in restoring constitutional order, upholding human rights, and promoting freedoms.

Since 2021, the OIF has supported Guinea through a series of initiatives, offering multisectoral expertise in areas such as constitutional development, electoral reform, media regulation, and electoral registry management. This comprehensive support was reinforced during Secretary General Mushikiwabo’s visit to Conakry in January 2024, where key challenges were identified, and the progress made by the Guinean government was acknowledged.

With the suspension lifted, Guinea is set to fully participate in the upcoming Francophonie Summit, scheduled to take place in France on October 4-5, 2024. The OIF, consisting of 88 states and governments, including 54 full members, 7 associate members, and 27 observers, continues to play a vital role in fostering cooperation among French-speaking nations.

Guinea’s re-entry into the OIF marks a significant step forward in the country’s democratic journey and its re-engagement with the international community.