Mahmoud Bah is a Guinean intellectual, political activist, and writer known for his opposition to the authoritarian regime of Ahmed Sékou Touré. Exiled in France after the arrest of his brother, he became involved with the Rassemblement des Guinéens de l'Extérieur, an opposition movement. In 1979, during a visit to Guinea, he was arrested for treason and imprisoned at Camp Boiro, where most of his fellow prisoners were executed. Thanks to pressure from Amnesty International, he escaped death and was released after the regime fell in 1984. Back in France, he taught until his retirement in 2005 and published several analytical works on Guinea's political history, becoming a key voice for the nation's memory and democratic future.
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Introduction
Mahmoud Bah is a prominent figure in the contemporary history of Guinea—both a political activist, a prisoner of conscience, and a committed author. His journey, marked by exile, resistance, and the fight for human rights, makes him a key voice in analyzing Guinea's past and envisioning its future.
Youth and Education
Born in 1940 in Labé, Mahmoud Bah completed his primary education in his hometown before pursuing secondary studies in Conakry. He later moved to France for higher education, earning degrees in chemistry and food engineering.
Political Engagement and Exile
Mahmoud Bah's political engagement took a decisive turn after the arrest of his brother, Ibrahima Kaba Bah, during the teachers' strike in Guinea. Confronted with the repression of Ahmed Sékou Touré's regime, he chose the path of exile, finding refuge in Dakar and later in France. There, he joined the Rassemblement des Guinéens de l'Extérieur (RGE), a movement opposing Guinea's dictatorial regime.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In 1979, during a brief visit to Guinea, Mahmoud Bah was arrested in Koundara on charges of treason. He was subsequently transferred to the notorious Camp Boiro, where he was imprisoned alongside numerous political prisoners. While most of his fellow detainees were executed, Mahmoud Bah's life was spared due to pressure from Amnesty International.
He was released on April 3, 1984, following the death of Ahmed Sékou Touré and the subsequent coup led by the National Recovery Military Committee headed by Lansana Conté.
Return to France and Teaching Career
After his release, Mahmoud Bah returned to France, where he resumed a more stable life. He devoted himself to teaching, working as a high school teacher until his retirement in 2005. Despite his retirement, his political and intellectual commitment did not waver, and he continued to reflect on Guinea's future through his writings.
Works and Intellectual Contributions
Mahmoud Bah is the author of several analytical works on Guinea and its political history. His writings are recognized for their critical perspective on Sékou Touré's regime and the challenges of post-independence development.
Main Publications:
- "Rebuilding Guinea After Sékou Touré", Éditions L'Harmattan, 1990
- "Guinea 1958-2008: Breaking Out of the Ghetto", Éditions Menaibuc, 2008
His works aim to transmit memory and understanding, helping new generations learn from past mistakes and envision a better future for Guinea.
Legacy and Impact
Mahmoud Bah's story embodies resilience against oppression and the strength of the fight for freedom of expression. His political and intellectual commitment left a lasting impact on the Guinean opposition and continues to influence discussions on governance and human rights in West Africa.
Through his writings and experiences, Mahmoud Bah remains an essential voice for those aspiring to a more democratic and just Guinea.
