Foniké Menguè, whose real name is Oumar Sylla, is a Guinean activist and journalist born in 1987, who became an emblematic figure in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Guinea. National Coordinator of the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) since February 2022, he became known for his fierce opposition to the third term of President Alpha Condé and his constant criticism of authoritarian drifts of power.
A radio host on civism and good governance, Mengue has created several youth movements to promote democracy in his country. His activism earned him numerous arrests and imprisonments, both under the regime of Alpha Condé and under the military junta that succeeded him. Despite persecution, he remains an influential and respected voice of the Guinean opposition, symbolizing peaceful resistance and the pursuit of justice for many citizens.
Introduction
Foniké Menguè, whose real name is Oumar Sylla, is an emblematic figure of activism and journalism in Guinea. Born in 1987, this brave man has established himself as one of the most influential voices of the pro-democracy movement in his country. National Coordinator of the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) since February 2022, Foniké Menguè embodies the struggle for human rights and good governance in Guinea.
His journey, marked by arrests and imprisonments under different regimes, testifies to his unwavering determination to defend his ideals. Despite persecution, Foniké Menguè remains a symbol of hope and resistance for many Guineans aspiring to greater freedom and justice.
Early life and education
Foniké Menguè grew up in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, in a tumultuous political and social context. From an early age, he was exposed to the challenges of urban life and the complexities of Guinean society. These experiences forge his political consciousness and his desire for change.
A brilliant student, he continued his graduate studies at the Lansana Conté General University. This is where he develops his leadership talents and his citizen engagement. An active member of the student office, he is also involved in the academic sporting life as a coach of the football team.
In 2010, Foniké Menguè obtained his university degree. This academic formation, coupled with his experience of student militantism, laid the foundation for his future engagement in Guinean civil society.
Professional career
After university, Foniké Menguè turned to journalism, a profession that allowed him to combine his passion for writing and his desire to inform and raise awareness of his fellow citizens. He collaborates with several independent media outlets, including the renowned newspaper Le Lynx and the online platform Guinea Matin.
In May 2017, he reached a new stage by becoming a host on the radio station Continentale 98.8 FM. There he hosts programs focused on civism, citizenship and good governance. His flagship programme, the political show "Bontouyi", broadcast in the Soussou language, allowed him to reach a wide audience and to popularize complex political concepts.
Through his journalistic work, Foniké Menguè focuses on highlighting government corruption and human rights violations in Guinea. He quickly became a respected and listened voice, known for his integrity and courage in addressing sensitive topics.
Activist
In parallel with his career as a journalist, Foniké Menguè became increasingly involved in activism. In 2014, he joined the Guinean social movement and expanded his network internationally. Inspired by the thought of the founder of the Republic of Guinea, Sékou Touré, he created several youth movements:
- The Voice of the People (VDP)
- The Young President Movement in 2020 (MJP2020)
- The Sequaturist Movement
These organizations advocate the promotion of democracy and good governance in Guinea. They enable Foniké Menguè to mobilize Guinean youth and channel its energy towards the goals of social and political change.
FNDC
Foniké Menguè’s engagement takes a new dimension with his involvement in the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC). This coalition of political parties and civil society organizations quickly became the spearhead of opposition to the Alpha Condé regime.
Within the FNDC, Foniké Menguè quickly climbed the ladder. After the arrest of coordinator Abdourahmane Sanoh and his comrades, he was interim leader of the movement. For his leadership and charisma, he was appointed National Coordinator of FNDC on 3 February 2022, succeeding Abdouramane Sanoh.
In this role, Foniké Menguè coordinates the actions of the FNDC, organizes peaceful demonstrations and speaks the voice of the opposition in the national and international media. He became one of the most prominent figures of the protests in Guinea.
Fight against Alpha Condé's 3rd term
The fight against President Alpha Condé's third term marked a turning point in Foniké Menguè's activism. Together with the FNDC, he led a fierce campaign to oppose the constitutional amendment allowing Condé to represent himself.
Foniké Menguè organizes and participates in many peaceful demonstrations throughout the country. It uses its media platform to raise public awareness of the dangers of this unconstitutional manoeuvre. His eloquence and determination make him one of the most listened voices in the opposition.
This period of intense mobilization reinforces his stature as a national activist, but also places him in the collimator of the regime. Authorities are beginning to see it as a serious threat, leading to a series of arrests and imprisonments.
Arrest and imprisonment
On 17 April 2020, Foniké Menguè was arrested by the law enforcement forces. He is accused of disclosing false information, a charge often used to mock dissident voices. After several months of detention, he was finally released on August 27, 2020 by the Dixinn court.
A few weeks after his release, on 29 September 2020, Foniké Menguè was again arrested at the Gbessia Bridge in Conakry. This time, he spends two months in prison without trial. In protest against this prolonged interim detention, he began a hunger strike on 25 December 2020.
On 28 January 2021, he was sentenced in first instance to 11 months in prison for "participation in a clash that could disturb public order". In appeal, his sentence was increased to three years in prison on 10 June 2021.
These successive incarcerations provoke indignation from the international community and human rights organizations. Amnesty International France launched a petition to demand his release, while political figures, such as the French MP from Seine-Saint-Denis, questioned the French government on his case.
Liberation under the CNRD
The coup d'état of September 5, 2021, which overthrew President Alpha Condé, marked a turning point in the journey of Foniké Menguè. The National Assembly Committee for Development (CNRD), headed by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, ordered the release of political prisoners.
Foniké Menguè was released from the Central Prison of Conakry on the evening of September 7, 2021. This release was welcomed with joy by his supporters and relief by his family. However, the activist remains cautious about the intentions of the new military power.
Exile
After his release, Foniké Menguè chose to exile temporarily. This decision was motivated by concerns about its security and the need to step back on the political situation in Guinea. During this period, he continued to speak about the situation in his country and to mobilize the Guinean diaspora.
His exile also enabled him to meet with international actors and to raise awareness of the situation in Guinea in the international community. He attends conferences and gives interviews to foreign media, now putting pressure on the Guinean authorities.
Come back to the country
Despite the risks, Foniké Menguè decided to return to Guinea. His return was motivated by his willingness to continue the fight on the ground and to participate actively in the political transition. He was greeted by a crowd of supporters on his arrival at Conakry Airport.
Upon his return, he resumed his activities with the FNDC. He openly criticised the slowness of the transition and called for a swift return to constitutional order. His firm positions are once again worthy of the attention of the authorities.
July 2022 arrest
On July 5, 2022, Foniké Menguè was again arrested along with two other FNDC members, Djanii Alpha and Billo Bah. They were released three days later by the Dixinn Court of First Instance for "unconstitued crime".
However, in the night of 29 to 30 July 2022, Foniké Menguè was arrested at his home by men in uniform. This arrest follows the appeal of the Attorney General against the organizers of the March of 28 July 2022 initiated by the FNDC.
On 1 August 2022, he was indicted and placed under a custody warrant at the Conakry House. This new detention sparked a wave of protests in Guinea and internationally.
On November 18, 2022, while still in detention, Foniké Menguè lost his mother, who died in Paris as a result of illness. Despite appeals from his lawyers and family, authorities refused to allow him to attend his mother's funeral, provoking indignation among many observers.
On May 10, 2023, after 10 months in custody, Foniké Menguè and his companions were released. This release comes at the request of religious leaders who act as mediators between the nation's vital forces and the Guinean government. It follows a judgment whose details have not been made public.
July 2024 arrest
On the night of 9 July 2024, Foniké Menguè was arrested under disturbing circumstances. According to the FNDC communiqués, Foniké Menguè and his collaborator Mamadou Billo Bah were " kidnapped" by a group of heavily armed soldiers at 22 a.m. This operation, described as "particularly violent" by the movement, took place at Mengue's home, in flagrant violation of the legal procedures for interception.
The two activists were allegedly taken to the high command of the national gendarmerie, specifically to the hands of the GIGN, a special unit recently established to fight terrorism.
This arrest, denounced by various civil society organizations as a "flagrant violation of citizens' rights", has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of Mengue and his companion, reviving fears of increased repression of dissident voices in Guinea.
Private life
Despite his public fame, Foniké Menguè remained discreet about his private life. Little is known about his family, except for his mother's death in 2022. This discretion demonstrates his willingness to protect his loved ones from potential pressures and threats related to his activism.
Foniké Menguè is known for its simplicity and accessibility. Despite the trials he has been through, heins close contact with the militant base and ordinary citizens. His personal life seems entirely dedicated to his struggle for democracy and human rights in Guinea.
Conclusion
Foniké Menguè embodies the resilience and courage of Guinean civil society in the face of adversity. His journey, marked by arrests, imprisonments and exile, demonstrates the difficulty of fighting for democracy in an unstable political context.
Despite persecution, Foniké Menguè remains committed to a more just and democratic Guinea. Its ability to mobilize young people and articulate the aspirations of the Guinean people makes them an indispensable figure on the national political scene.
The future of Foniké Menguè remains uncertain in the current political context of Guinea. However, his influence and determination continue to inspire a new generation of activists and committed citizens. Whether free or behind bars, Foniké Menguè remains a powerful voice for change in Guinea and a symbol of the struggle for democracy in West Africa.
