On the eve of President Mamadi Doumbouya's inauguration ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Guinean capital is abuzz with anticipation. Between renewed hopes, social demands, and civic caution, Guineans interviewed expressed their expectations for this new political turning point.

A people in search of concrete results

In the large Madina market, the atmosphere is both lively and filled with hope. Aïssatou Camara, a shopkeeper, sees this inauguration as a sign of tangible change: "We want to see action. We want prices to come down, for the electricity to be stable, and for our children to be able to go to school without fear. The inauguration must mark a real change in our daily lives."

For Ibrahima Diallo, a young graduate still looking for a job, the priorities are clear: "We've heard a lot of talk. What we want now are opportunities for young people, transparency in recruitment, and an environment that supports private initiatives."

Safety, roads and living conditions are at the heart of the concerns

In the taxis crisscrossing Conakry, discussions revolve around the same expectations. Mamadou Keïta, a driver for about fifteen years, highlights the issue of infrastructure: "Driving in Conakry has become a real struggle. If the president manages to improve the state of the roads and strengthen security, that will already be a great victory."

Call for citizen vigilance

In Ratoma, Fatoumata Bah, a teacher, calls on her fellow citizens to remain vigilant and engaged: "The inauguration is a powerful symbol, but democracy is built over time. We expect respect for freedoms, dialogue, and fair justice. We will remain attentive."

A capital city caught between expectations and caution

Just hours before the ceremony, Conakry held its breath. Between pressing social expectations and a quest for stability, citizens yearned for a fresh start based on concrete reforms and visible improvements in their daily lives.

For many, the essential remains unchanged: to see presidential promises transformed into sustainable actions for a fairer, more united and more prosperous Guinea.