The United States maintained close relations with Guinea prior to the country’s 2008 military coup d’etat, which the U.S. condemned. Following Guinea’s presidential elections in 2010, the United States reestablished strong diplomatic relations with the government. U.S. policy seeks to encourage Guinea’s democratic reforms, its positive contribution to regional stability, and sustainable economic and social development.
With the United States calling for free, fair, peaceful, and inclusive legislative elections, Guinea held long-delayed democratic legislative elections on September 28, 2013. The peaceful inauguration of the newly elected legislature on January 13, 2014 marked a positive advance in Guinea’s democratic development. The U.S. has strongly encouraged all political players to work towards strengthening Guinea’s democratic institutions, and continues to support political dialogue and preparations for the 2015 presidential elections. The United States also continues to support Guinea’s Security Sector Reform and Law and Justice Sector Reform, and assists Guinea to professionalize its military and security forces in an effort to promote democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
U.S. Assistance to Guinea
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Guinea supports efforts towards participatory governance in a healthier Guinea. Development programs focus on increasing the utilization of quality health services and strengthening democratic governance and economic processes. USAID carries out development activities in support of the President’s Malaria Initiative and health responses designed to strengthen the health system and restore health services that have been adversely affected by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) since 2014. Democracy and governance programs focus on promoting local ownership and citizen participation into the decision-making process. In support of Guinea’s upcoming presidential and local elections, USAID will support efforts towards legitimate, participatory, transparent, and accountable election processes. Regional programming focuses on Guinea’s conservation of biodiversity and climate change activities in priority zones.
The United States Peace Corps works throughout the country in the secondary education, agro-forestry, and public health sectors. Examples of recent initiatives include malaria prevention, youth development, and food security.
The Department of Defense and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) continue to professionalize Guinea’s military and security forces through an array of security assistance programs such as: International Military Education and Training (IMET), English language training, Foreign Military Financing and Sales (FMF and FMS), Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA), direct support to their peacekeeping mission in Mali, DoD HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), maritime domain awareness, and the African Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS).
Bilateral Economic Relations
In late 2011, the United States reinstated Guinea’s African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits. The reinstatement followed a review by the U.S. government to examine whether the country had made “continual progress” in meeting AGOA’s eligibility criteria. Those criteria include establishment of a market-based economy, rule of law, economic policies to reduce poverty, protection of internationally recognized worker rights, and efforts to combat corruption. Progress in the political sphere was an important additional factor. AGOA eligibility provides the potential for an increase in mutually beneficial trade and investment between Guinea and the United States.
The United States and Guinea have signed an investment guarantee agreement offering political risk insurance to U.S. investors through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
Guinea’s Membership in International Organizations
Guinea has been active in efforts toward regional integration and cooperation. Guinea and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Guinea is Alexander Mark Laskaris; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
Guinea maintains an embassy in the United States at 2112 Leroy Place, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-986-4300).
More information about Guinea is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here: