Fodé Kanté was a renowned Guinean magistrate who distinguished himself through his exemplary career and commitment to transparency in public finance management. A graduate of the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM) in Dakar, he first presided over the commercial section of the Court of First Instance of Dixinn before joining the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration in Abidjan in 2015.
After brilliantly serving abroad, he was appointed president of the Court of Accounts of Guinea on January 15, 2024, where he had set himself the mission of strengthening the institution's visibility and improving citizens' understanding of public resource management. Unfortunately, his mandate was short-lived as he passed away on March 29, 2025, in Paris following an illness, leaving behind the image of a committed and respected legal professional within the Guinean judicial family.
Introduction
Esteemed magistrate and respected figure in Guinea's judicial landscape, Fodé Kanté made his mark on the history of justice in Guinea through his exemplary career and commitment to transparency in public finance management.
Education and Early Career
A graduate of the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM) in Dakar, Fodé Kanté began his career in the Guinean judiciary with determination and rigor. His professional journey first led him to the presidency of the commercial section of the Court of First Instance (TPI) of Dixinn, where he distinguished himself through his competence and integrity.
International Career
On April 10, 2015, his career took on an international dimension when he joined the Common Court of Justice and Arbitration in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This experience allowed him to acquire valuable expertise in the field of justice and arbitration at the regional level, strengthening his profile as an accomplished jurist.
Return to Guinea and Appointment to the Court of Accounts
After brilliantly serving abroad, Fodé Kanté was called back to Guinea to put his expertise at the service of his country. On January 15, 2024, he was appointed as the first president of the Court of Accounts by the president of the transition, on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice.
His installation ceremony took place on January 17, 2024, in the presence of his predecessor, Saa Joseph Kadouno, and the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Alphonse Charles Wright. During this solemn ceremony, Fodé Kanté presented his vision and objectives for the Court of Accounts.
Vision and Ambitions for the Court of Accounts
Upon taking office, Fodé Kanté defined several priority objectives for the institution he led:
- Increase the visibility of the Court of Accounts
- Strengthen transparency in the management of public resources
- Provide magistrates with adequate resources
- Reposition the Court of Accounts at national and international levels
- Contribute to establishing a culture of accountability
- Promote efficient public management
- Strengthen compliance with standards and procedures in line with international standards
He placed particular importance on disseminating the results of oversight work, considering it essential that "citizens understand how public resources are managed."
An Untimely Passing
Unfortunately, fate decided otherwise. Fodé Kanté passed away on March 29, 2025, in Paris, France, at 2 o'clock in the morning, following an illness, just a few months after his appointment as head of the Court of Accounts.
His passing plunged the Guinean judicial family into mourning. The Minister of Justice, Yaya Kairaba Kaba, expressed his "deep affliction" following this loss.
A Lasting Legacy and Memory
In a moving tribute, Boubacar Yacine Diallo, President of the High Authority for Communication (HAC), honored the memory of the man he considered a friend: "All my life I will remember your kindness. Words are not enough to express my sadness. Our relationship was more than professional; I have lost a friend."
Fodé Kanté leaves behind the image of a committed legal professional whose ambition was to make public finance management more transparent and efficient. His passage, though brief, at the head of the Court of Accounts marked the institution with his clear vision and commitment to good governance.
Guinea has lost in Fodé Kanté a devoted servant of the State, whose exemplary career will continue to inspire future generations of magistrates.
