Guinea President Alpha Conde enacted a new constitution by decree Monday. Although voters supported the new constitution, a referendum on its changes last month spurred mass protests by the opposition. The US, the EU and France have questioned the validity of last month’s vote.

Although Conde has been criticized as becoming increasingly authoritarian, he argues that the new constitution implements necessary social changes. The reforms include a ban on female genital mutilation and underage marriage. However, the opposition is concerned that the constitution will reset presidential term limits, allowing Conde to rule for an additional 12 years.

On the same day that Conde enacted this new charter, he also approved a $315 million economic plan in response to the novel coronavirus, of which Guinea currently has 128 confirmed cases.