Guinea religious office denies fake prayer circular for President Doumbouya

A document falsely attributed to Guinea's Secretariat General of Religious Affairs (SGAR) circulated on social media on 30 July 2026, urging Muslims and Christians to hold prayers and make specific sacrifices for the health of President Mamadi Doumbouya. The circular listed detailed offerings, such as a box of Gloria milk, loaves of bread, rice and a mixed food called “Fankadama” for Muslim prayers on 31 July, and thanksgiving services for Christians on 2 August.

SGAR issued an official statement later that day confirming the circular is a forgery, noting that it was created by altering an old communiqué and that none of its officials signed it. The department warned it could pursue legal action against those responsible and urged the public to rely only on official communications. The misinformation followed rumors about Doumbouya’s health after his appearance at the ECOWAS summit in Sierra Leone on 19 July.

Journalist Abdoul Latif Diallo, based abroad, shared the fake document on Facebook, contributing to its viral spread. SGAR reaffirmed its role in promoting national unity and called for vigilance against false information.