Alassane Ouattara, Ivoirian president (R) in a handshake with his Guinean counterpart, Mamadi Doumbouya (L) in Abidjan
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, June 18, 2025
The Ivoirian president, Alassane Ouattara received Guinea’s military ruler, who is on a two-day working and friendship visit to Côte d’Ivoire, his first meeting with Ivorian leader since he came to power in a coup four years ago. The two leaders met at the presidential palace, and addressed reporters highlighting the importance of the visit.
The Ivorian president highlighted how Guinean migrants have settled without friction in Côte d’Ivoire, a sign, he said, of the two nations’ deepening partnership. Guinea’s leader responded by praising Ouattara’s methods as a model, noting both countries were aligned in pushing economic development forward
Inside the palace, the leaders had negotiations. Flanked by advisors, both leaders discussed ways to tighten bonds between their nations. The talks covered two pressing matters: unlocking shared economic opportunities and addressing growing security threats across West Africa.
The visit is of broader significance. While Sahel nations under military rule have withdrawn from ECOWAS, Guinea’s junta chooses to stay. Ouattara’s warm welcome signals a shift, setting aside his previous rejection of coup governments to position himself as a mediator in the region’s crises. There was a private dinner at the end of the day. Further meetings were scheduled on Wednesday, June 18.
