Paul Moussa Diawara is a prominent figure in Guinea's political and media landscape, originally from Kissidougou. A former journalist and founder of the news website Guinee24, he later ventured into politics, becoming the leader of the Movement of Patriots for Development (MPD) in 2012.
His career has been marked by his appointment as Director General of the Guinean Advertising Office (OGP), legal troubles from which he was ultimately cleared by the Supreme Court in May 2024, and a return to public office in November 2024 when he was appointed Director General of the Merchant Navy by the transitional president, General Mamadi Doumbouya. In February 2025, he made his political comeback by organizing a major rally in Sanoyah, where he expressed his support for General Doumbouya.
Introduction
Paul Moussa Diawara is a prominent figure in Guinea's political and media landscape. Originally from Kissidougou, this former journalist has gradually established himself as a key player in Guinean public life, navigating through periods of success and adversity that have shaped his professional and political journey.
Beginnings and Political Engagement
Before venturing into politics, Paul Moussa Diawara made a name for himself in journalism. He is particularly known for founding the news website Guinee24, a platform that helped him gain recognition in the Guinean media scene.
His political career truly began in February 2012 when he was unanimously chosen to lead the Movement of Patriots for Development (MPD), a political party established in 2009. At that time, he enthusiastically declared, "A brave heart faces no impossibilities," already demonstrating his determination to engage in Guinean politics.
Leadership at the Guinean Advertising Office (OGP)
Paul Moussa Diawara's career took a significant turn when he was appointed Director General of the Guinean Advertising Office (OGP). His tenure at the helm of this institution was marked by several reforms he initiated, including:
- Increasing the workforce from 18 to 300 employees within four years
- Establishing branches in the five municipalities of Conakry
- Setting up offices in the seven regions of the Republic of Guinea
- Modernizing the institution’s infrastructure
However, this period was also marked by tensions with his superiors. In March 2015, he was suspended from his position by the Minister of Communication, Alhousény Makanéra Kaké, for "insubordination and repeated violations of articles 75 and following of the general civil service statute." This suspension followed a dispute over the management of certain OGP executives.
Legal Issues
Paul Moussa Diawara's career was significantly impacted by legal matters. In June 2018, he was dismissed from his position as Director General of OGP following an audit that allegedly revealed financial mismanagement. He consistently denied these accusations, arguing that the inspection process did not comply with the regulations governing a public limited company like OGP.
In April 2019, he was sentenced by the Kaloum Court to five years in prison and fined 50 million Guinean francs for the alleged embezzlement of 39 billion Guinean francs. This conviction was upheld in July 2023 by the Appeals Chamber of the CRIEF (Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offenses).
Despite these convictions, Paul Moussa Diawara continued to proclaim his innocence, maintaining that the legal proceedings against him did not respect legal provisions, particularly those concerning the operation of a public limited company under OHADA law.
A major turning point in this case occurred on May 14, 2024, when the Supreme Court ultimately cleared him of all charges related to public fund embezzlement, bringing an end to a nearly decade-long legal saga.
Return to Public Affairs
Following this judicial rehabilitation, Paul Moussa Diawara’s career experienced a revival. On November 13, 2024, he was appointed Director General of the Merchant Navy by the transitional president, General Mamadi Doumbouya. During his inauguration on November 18, 2024, he emphasized the strategic importance of this sector for Guinea’s economy and committed to pursuing "excellence" in managing this institution.
This appointment also seems to have reignited his political career. After six years of absence from the political scene, Paul Moussa Diawara organized a major rally in Sanoyah on February 22, 2025, marking his grand return to the arena. On this occasion, he expressed his support for General Mamadi Doumbouya, stating, "If the question arises, I will have no hesitation in accompanying and supporting him," regarding a potential candidacy of the head of state.
Committed Political Leader
As the president of the MPD, Paul Moussa Diawara asserts himself as a determined political leader committed to contributing to the national debate. He notably expressed satisfaction with the 24-month transition period set by ECOWAS in October 2022, emphasizing that this decision resulted from a long negotiation process between various parties.
His ability to mobilize supporters, as evidenced by the Sanoyah rally in February 2025, demonstrates that he still enjoys a solid political base, particularly within the Kissi community, which, according to him, "extends across the four natural regions of Guinea."
Conclusion
Paul Moussa Diawara's journey illustrates the challenges and opportunities of Guinean political life. From journalism to politics, through the management of public institutions and legal troubles, his career has experienced numerous ups and downs. His exoneration by the Supreme Court and his appointment as head of the Merchant Navy mark a new chapter in his career, highlighting his resilience and determination to remain an influential figure in Guinean public life.
Today, Paul Moussa Diawara positions himself as a supporter of the transitional regime led by General Mamadi Doumbouya while asserting his willingness to actively contribute to discussions about Guinea’s future. His tumultuous yet resilient journey makes him an emblematic figure of contemporary Guinean politics.
