Guinea has established a High Council for National Defense and Security (CSDSN) by presidential decree, a new body aimed at strengthening the strategic coordination of the country’s defense and security policies.
Chaired by the Head of State, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the CSDSN is designated as the supreme decision-making body on matters concerning national sovereignty, the protection of populations, property, and resources, as well as the mobilization of forces during crises or armed conflicts.
According to the decree, the CSDSN will have its own headquarters and a dedicated budget allocated in the Finance Act each fiscal year. It is empowered to take necessary measures at any time to defend territorial integrity and restore public order in the event of serious danger or calamity. The Council’s structure comprises three main components: a supreme body, a permanent general secretariat, and various committees.
The supreme body includes the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and several strategic ministers such as Defense, Security, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Economy, and Budget. It also incorporates military commanders, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the High Commander of the Gendarmerie.
The permanent general secretariat, led by a senior civilian official or a general officer appointed by presidential decree, will manage the Council’s daily administration, technical coordination, and decision-making. It will be supported by thematic sections focusing on civil defense, military, economic, and diplomatic matters. The decree specifies that the permanent secretary general is responsible for monitoring decisions, preparing the budget, and supervising technical services, whose staff are appointed either by presidential decree or internal decision.
This new institutional framework reflects the Guinean government’s commitment to bolstering national coordination in the face of ongoing security challenges within a tense sub-regional context.
AC/fss/abj/APA