LASANA CONTE

Lansana Conté, born around 1934 in Moussayah Loumbaya in Dubréka, Guinea, was a member of the Susu ethnic group. He received an early education at a local Quranic school and attended primary school in Dubréka before pursuing military training in Bingerville, Côte d'Ivoire, and Saint Louis, Senegal. In 1955, he enlisted in the French Army and served in Algeria during the war of independence. When Guinea gained independence in 1958, Conté returned home, joining the national army as a sergeant.

He advanced through the ranks in the Guinean military, attending officer training at Camp Alpha in Conakry and eventually rising to the position of Second Lieutenant in 1963. By 1971, he had been promoted to Captain after his contributions during the invasion of Guinea by Portuguese forces and Guinean dissidents in 1970. Conté continued to serve in various roles, including as commander of the Boké operational zone, where he supported the pro-independence African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) in neighboring Portuguese Guinea. His leadership earned him further promotions, and by 1975, he was named Assistant Chief of Staff of the Guinean army.

In 1984, following the death of President Ahmed Sékou Touré, Conté led a military coup that overthrew the interim government just days before planned elections. After taking power, he criticized the previous regime’s human rights abuses, released political prisoners, and encouraged exiled Guineans to return. He suspended the constitution, dissolved the National Assembly, and established the Military Committee of National Restoration (CMRN), with himself as the head. Despite his military takeover, Conté's rule brought some changes, including the closure of the notorious Camp Boiro detention center.

Conté’s presidency faced several challenges, including an attempted coup in 1985, which he survived. He continued to consolidate his power, eliminating political rivals and strengthening his control over the country. By 1990, he was promoted to Army General and began transitioning Guinea toward a multiparty system. A new constitution was approved, leading to the legalization of political parties and the disbandment of the CMRN in favor of the Transitional Committee for National Recovery.

The first multiparty presidential election in Guinea was held in 1993, and Conté won narrowly, amid allegations of electoral fraud. Though he spoke of democracy, his administration maintained authoritarian characteristics, albeit less harsh than his predecessor’s. He won subsequent elections in 1998 and 2003, but these, too, were marred by accusations of manipulation and fraud. His government survived a coup attempt in 1996, during a military mutiny over unpaid salaries, leading to civilian casualties and significant damage to the presidential residence.

Throughout his presidency, Conté implemented economic reforms that were favorably viewed by international bodies like the International Monetary Fund, encouraging foreign investment. However, corruption remained a persistent issue under his rule, and Guinea's ranking on the global corruption index was notably poor. His declining health, including diabetes and heart problems, led to doubts about his ability to lead, particularly in his later years. Despite this, he managed to retain control, appointing and dismissing prime ministers in ways that bolstered his position.

In 2007, widespread protests and strikes erupted against his leadership, driven by dissatisfaction with economic conditions and demands for political reforms. The protests, marked by violence and repression, eventually led Conté to appoint a new prime minister, Lansana Kouyaté, as a concession to opposition demands. However, Kouyaté’s tenure was short-lived, and Conté replaced him in 2008 with Ahmed Tidiane Souaré, reinforcing his grip on power despite ongoing tensions.

Lansana Conté’s rule came to an end with his death on December 22, 2008, after a prolonged illness. His passing was announced by the President of the National Assembly, who praised Conté for enduring his health struggles while continuing to serve the nation.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lansana_Cont%C3%A9