Guinea · Overview
The legal system of Guinea
A French-tradition civil-law system under transitional government since the September 2021 coup, which suspended the 2020 constitution. A new constitution was adopted by referendum in 2025. OHADA commercial law applies, and the mining code is central to commercial practice given the bauxite and iron ore sectors.
Legal tradition
Guinea belongs to the civil law (french tradition) tradition. A French-tradition civil-law system under transitional government since the September 2021 coup, which suspended the 2020 constitution. A new constitution was adopted by referendum in 2025. OHADA commercial law applies, and the mining code is central to commercial practice given the bauxite and iron ore sectors.
How power is divided
Transitional arrangements have concentrated authority in the CNRD and an appointed government; the 2025 constitution provides for a presidential system with a legislature.
Where law comes from
- Constitution of 2025
- Adopted by referendum to succeed the transitional framework.
- Transitional charter and ordinances
- Governed the period from 2021.
- OHADA Uniform Acts
- Directly applicable commercial law.
- Codes
- Civil, penal (2016), criminal procedure, labour (2014) and mining (2011/2013) codes.
- Customary law
- Recognised in personal and land matters within statutory limits.
The legal profession
Avocats admitted through the Barreau de Guinée after a law degree and traineeship; notaires and huissiers are separate offices.
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