El Hadj Ousmane Baldé, nicknamed "Without the Law", was an illustrious businessman and emblematic figure of the Peulh community of Guinea. Born in 1938 in Noumou Saato in Foutah-Djallon, he started out of nothing to build an immense fortune thanks to his innate sense of commerce and tenacity.
Beginning as a modest walking merchant from childhood, Ousmane Baldé became one of the most successful merchants in the country, even serving as the chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce under Lansana Conté. Alongside his success in business, he has been committed to the promotion of peulh culture by chairing the National Coordination of Fulbhé and Haali Pular from 2019. A fervent defender of Islam, he was a respected pillar until his death in 2023 at the age of 84.
Introduction
El Hadj Ousmane Baldé, nicknamed "Without the Law", was a businessman and iconic figure of the Peulh community of Guinea. Born on September 5, 1938 in Noumou Saato, Foutah-Djallon, he led a remarkable life, from his modest beginnings as a traveling merchant to becoming one of the country's most prosperous merchants. His brilliant rise, leadership within the peulh community and commitment to Islam have made him a respected figure throughout the country.
Childhood and Education
Ousmane Baldé was born into a traditional Muslim family in Foutah-Djallon. At the age of seven, according to the Peulh tradition, he began his Koranic education with his uncle Thierno Mamadou Lamine. From an early age, Ousmane showed a strong interest in trade, leaving Fatako regularly to travel the 63 km to Labé to buy candy and other small goods which he later sold back to the village.
First steps in business
Encouraged by his uncle, who recognized his talent for business, Ousmane devoted himself fully to commerce at the age of seven. With the money offered by his mother, he began to travel regularly to Labé to procure goods which he then sold back to Fatako. Despite his young age, Ousmane demonstrated a sharp sense of business and unusual determination.
Prolific trader
Over the years, Ousmane's trade flourished. After a tour of Guéckédou where he sold wood for heating to rebuild his trade, he expanded his activities throughout the country. His innate sense of business, tenacity and hard work enabled Ousmane to build a real fortune and make a name for himself in Guinea's business circles.
Chamber of Commerce
Ousmane Baldé's success in the world of business was recognized when he assumed the presidency of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the Lansana Conté regime. This appointment demonstrated his growing influence and respect in the economic circles of Guinea.
President of the National Coordination of Fulbhé and Haali Pular
Alongside his commercial success, Ousmane Baldé was actively involved in the peulh community of Guinea. In 2019, he was elected president of the National Coordination of Fulbhé and Haali Pular, becoming an influential spokesperson for the promotion of the interests and culture of this ethnic group.
Death and Funeral
El Hadj Ousmane Baldé died on the night of 26 to 27 March 2023 in Conakry, aged 84. His funeral, celebrated on Friday 31 March in Fatako, gathered an immense crowd to pay a final tribute to this exceptional man. Members of the government, religious and peoples of Foutah-Djallon joined with the relatives of Ousmane Baldé to commemorate him who was a pillar of the peulh community and an ardent defender of Islam in Guinea.
Conclusion
The life of El Hadj Ousmane Baldé "Without the Law" remarkably illustrates the ability to succeed through work and perseverance. From nothing, it has built a real trade empire and established itself as an indispensable economic player in Guinea. But beyond his success in business, it is his commitment to the service of his community and his faith that makes Ousmane Baldé a model and a source of inspiration for future generations. His death leaves a great vacuum, but his legacy will remain a source of pride for the Peulh people of Guinea.
