Jean-Marie Doré, Guinean lawyer and politician, 11th Prime Minister of Guinea (b. 1938)

Jean-Marie Doré (12 June 1938 – 29 January 2016) was a distinguished Guinean politician and statesman whose impactful career culminated in his crucial tenure as Prime Minister of Guinea. He served in this pivotal role from January 2010 until December 2010, at a critical juncture in the nation’s history.

A Respected Opposition Figure and Leader of the UPG

For many years preceding his appointment as Prime Minister, Jean-Marie Doré was widely recognized as a prominent voice within Guinea's political opposition. He held the esteemed position of President of the Union for the Progress of Guinea (UPG), a significant political party dedicated to advocating for democratic reforms, good governance, and civil liberties in the West African country. His unwavering commitment to fostering a more transparent and democratic political system often positioned him as a challenging, yet respected, figure in opposition to established powers.

Guiding Guinea Through a Tumultuous Transition

Doré's elevation to the premiership occurred during a period of profound political instability and intense international scrutiny in Guinea. Following the death of long-serving President Lansana Conté in December 2008, a military junta, led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, seized power through a coup d'état. This ushered in a period of uncertain military rule, marked by widespread human rights abuses. A particularly egregious event was the stadium massacre of September 2009, where security forces brutally attacked unarmed pro-democracy demonstrators, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. This horrific crackdown elicited strong condemnation and sanctions from the international community.

Facing immense pressure from regional and international bodies, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, and following an assassination attempt on Dadis Camara, a series of diplomatic efforts led to a brokered agreement. This accord paved the way for the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government, specifically tasked with steering Guinea back to constitutional rule. It was within this fragile yet hopeful framework that Jean-Marie Doré, recognized for his integrity, experience, and commitment to democratic principles, was selected to lead this interim administration as Prime Minister.

Mandate: Orchestrating Guinea's First Democratic Presidential Election

As the head of the transitional government, Prime Minister Doré's paramount mandate was to oversee the meticulous preparation and fair conduct of the landmark 2010 presidential election. This election held immense historical significance as it was designed to be Guinea's first truly democratic presidential vote since gaining independence from France in 1958. His government played an indispensable role in establishing the necessary conditions for a credible and transparent electoral process. This encompassed crucial tasks such as comprehensive voter registration, managing complex logistical operations, and fostering an environment conducive to relatively free and fair campaigning and polling. Doré's leadership during this exceptionally delicate period was instrumental in successfully managing the transition from military governance to a democratically elected civilian administration, which culminated in the election of Alpha Condé as President in November 2010. Upon the successful completion of his mandate and the inauguration of the new democratically elected government, Doré's transitional administration concluded its work in December 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jean-Marie Doré's Role

Who was Jean-Marie Doré?
Jean-Marie Doré was a prominent Guinean politician, born on June 12, 1938, and passed away on January 29, 2016. He notably served as the Prime Minister of Guinea's transitional government from January to December 2010. He was also the long-standing President of the Union for the Progress of Guinea (UPG), a key opposition political party.
What was the significance of his role as Prime Minister?
His appointment as Prime Minister came at a pivotal moment for Guinea, following a military coup in December 2008 and widespread political unrest. He was chosen to lead a transitional government specifically mandated to prepare and conduct the 2010 presidential election, which marked Guinea's first democratic presidential vote since its independence. This role was crucial in guiding the nation back to civilian rule and democratic principles.
What political events led to the formation of the transitional government he led?
The transitional government was formed as a direct result of intense international pressure and extensive negotiations following a military coup in December 2008 and a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in September 2009 by the ruling military junta. The primary objective was to restore constitutional order and facilitate a credible, democratic electoral process to transition from military rule to a civilian government.