Arrest of ex-Guinean ambassador in Brussels causes diplomatic tensions

The former ambassador of Guinea was arrested in Brussels last month, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs confirmed the news to Belga. The arrest reportedly stems from a family dispute and has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Guinea requesting an explanation from Belgium.

Aissatou Doukoure was arrested in Brussels on June 16. According to Guinean media, the case concerns the alleged abuse and possible unlawful detention of a teenage girl from her family, who reportedly went to the police. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office and Foreign Affairs have not commented further on the matter.

The Guinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly sent a letter to Belgian authorities on 25 June expressing concern over the arrest. Guinea says it was not informed and maintains that Doukoure should still benefit from diplomatic immunity.

No diplomatic immunity

Belgium disputes that claim. The FPS Foreign Affairs states that it was previously informed via a verbal note from the Guinean embassy of the end of Doukoure’s mandate as ambassador on 27 November, 2024. It remains unclear why she continued to reside in Belgium after that date.

"She is therefore no longer an ambassador in our country at the moment. After a reasonable period to leave Belgium with her family, the special residence permit of Mrs. Aissatou Doukoure and those of her family members were cancelled," said Pierre Steverlynck, spokesperson for Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says discussions with the Guinean authorities are ongoing.

^{​Aissatou Doukoure © PHOTO AMBASSADE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE À BRUXELLES}