Guinea's President Mamadi Doumbouya has returned to Conakry, ending three weeks of absence that sparked speculation about his whereabouts.
The Guinean leader had not been seen in public since leaving the country on 13 February for the African Union summit in Addis Ababa.
Doumbouya landed on Friday at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in Conakry, putting the speculation to rest.
Authorities had said on Monday that he was in good health and had taken "a few days of rest" for a routine medical check-up, although it was not immediately clear where he had travelled to.
The president was welcomed at the airport by his wife Lauriane Doumbouya, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and several military commanders and other officials, while thousands of his supporters lined up on the streets waving the country’s flag and cheering as his motorcade moved to the presidential palace.
‘Guinea repositions on global stage’
Others were drumming and singing in his praise, with the presidency describing the situation as "a festive atmosphere".
"This return comes at the end of a significant diplomatic period for Guinea," the presidency said in a statement, adding "Guinea is today affirming its return to the heart of international affairs, thus consolidating its gradual repositioning on the world stage."
Mamadi Doumbouya came to power in a military takeover in 2021, toppling then-President Alpha Conde, who had been in office since 2010.
The military general later transformed into a civilian and won the country’s presidential election in December last year with 86.72% of the vote to secure a five-year term.
He has vowed to translate the country’s vast mineral resources, including bauxite, iron ore, gold and diamonds, into tangible development.
