In an unexpected move, Guinea’s ruling junta has confirmed that the nation has suspended its membership from the Organisation for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS), a key regional development consortium.
The military junta, in an official statement, outlined its grievances that led to the decision to withdraw from the group. The body, which has been instrumental in promoting and implementing numerous hydro-agricultural and electricity projects across West Africa, has failed to adequately consider Guinea’s strategic interests, according to the junta.
Particular points of contention contributing to Guinea’s exit include the protracted delay in securing funding for the Koukoutamba hydroelectric dam, and what the junta perceives as an “under-representation” in the top tier of the organisation.
In 2006, Guinea became the fourth member state of the OMVS, alongside Senegal, Mali and Mauritania. This latest decision serves to alter the regional balance in a significant way.
Since a coup in 2021, Guinea has been under the control of a military junta. However, under considerable international pressure, there is an agreement to transfer power to a democratically elected civilian government by the close of 2024.
Image Credit: AP News
