M'Bemba Bangoura was an influential Guinean political figure, best known for his role as the governor of Conakry under President Lansana Conté's regime. A skilled communicator and a recognized mobilizer, especially among the women of the capital, he made his mark with his eloquence and charisma during rallies in support of the government.
His career was marked by highs and lows: a loyal collaborator of Conté, he later faced disgrace and imprisonment under the CNDD regime, accused of complicity in drug trafficking. Rehabilitated after Alpha Condé's election in 2010, he held various positions, including president of the special delegation of Dixinn and governor of Faranah, before ending his career as vice-president of the special delegation of Dixinn. He passed away on July 17, 2016, after a long illness, leaving behind the image of a multifaceted politician who experienced both the heights of power and the depths of political disgrace.
Introduction
M'Bemba Bangoura, a prominent Guinean political figure known for his eloquence and charisma, passed away on July 17, 2016, in Conakry after a long illness. With a career marked by contrasts, he left a significant mark on Guinea's recent political history, particularly under the regime of the late President Lansana Conté.
Political Career
M'Bemba Bangoura's reputation was primarily built during his time as the governor of Conakry. A loyal supporter of President Lansana Conté, he established himself as an exceptional communicator and an effective mobilizer, especially among the women of the Guinean capital. His oratory skills and ability to organize rallies in support of the regime earned him considerable recognition on the national political stage.
Bangoura was particularly noted for organizing large "mamayas" (support rallies) for the General-President, especially during a time when the administration struggled to address the city's waste management issues. However, after several years in this position, he was dismissed and faced a period of political disgrace.
Controversies
M'Bemba Bangoura's career was not without setbacks. Following President Conté's death and the rise to power of the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD), led by Captain Dadis Camara in 2008, he was arrested and imprisoned in the Conakry Central Prison. The military junta accused him of "complicity in drug trafficking" at a time when Guinea had become a transit point for South American drug traffickers, reportedly protected by elements within the state apparatus.
After his release from prison, Bangoura experienced a challenging period before making a political comeback with the election of Alpha Condé in 2010.
A Second Political Wind
Rehabilitated under Alpha Condé's presidency, M'Bemba Bangoura was appointed president of the special delegation of Dixinn, a popular commune in Conakry. He also briefly served as the governor of Faranah. In 2013, he ran as a candidate for the ruling RPG Arc-en-ciel party in the legislative elections for the uninominal deputy position of Dixinn, but he was defeated by Aboubacar Soumah, a candidate from the UFDG party.
Following the implementation of the August 20, 2015, political agreement, he had to relinquish his position as president of the special delegation of Dixinn to a representative of the UFDG, taking up the role of vice-president, a position he held until his death.
Political Legacy
M'Bemba Bangoura's legacy is one of a multifaceted political figure: a loyal servant of the Lansana Conté regime, an accused figure in controversial affairs, and later a secondary actor under Alpha Condé's presidency. His journey reflects the complexities and challenges of Guinea's political landscape over recent decades.
His ability to mobilize crowds and his flamboyant oratory style will be remembered as defining traits of a man who experienced both the heights of power and the depths of political disgrace.
