African leaders convene in New York for 81st UN General Assembly

African leaders and diplomats are converging in New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Guinean President Mamadi Doumbouya has traveled to the city to participate in the high-level week, aiming to strengthen international cooperation and diplomatic relations.

In contrast to the official state presence, Guinean opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo was reportedly prevented from attending the assembly after Guinean authorities revoked his passport. Diallo, who has been in exile since 2022, intended to participate in meetings on the sidelines of the UN session.

Côte d’Ivoire is also heavily represented, with Vice-President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné arriving to represent President Alassane Ouattara. During the assembly, the Ivorian government and the Corporate Council on Africa signed an agreement to host the 2027 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Abidjan, part of a broader strategy to attract international investment under the country's National Development Plan.

Additionally, the Unstoppable Africa 2026 event, organized by the Global Africa Business Initiative, took place in New York, focusing on economic scaling and investment opportunities across the continent.