Barry III, whose real name was Ibrahima Barry, was a prominent Guinean politician born in 1923 into an aristocratic family of Fouta Djallon. Graduated from William Ponty Higher Normal School and a training lawyer, he engaged very early in the struggle for Guinea's independence by creating in 1954 the Socialist Party of Guinea Socialist Democracy (DSG), the main opposition party to Sékou Touré's PDG.
Surnamed "Syliyoré" (little elephant) because of his positions close to the PDG, he briefly joined the government after independence in 1958 before being fired for his criticism of Touré's authoritarian regime. Arrested in 1970, accused of conspiracy without evidence, he was tragically executed by hanging in January 1971, becoming one of the main political martyrs of the regime of Sékou Touré.
Introduction
Ibrahima Barry, better known as Barry III, was a prominent Guinean politician who played a key role in the struggle for the independence of his country. Born in 1923 in an aristocratic family in Fouta, he climbed the ladder of education and politics to become one of the main actors on the Guinean political scene. His journey was marked by his unwavering commitment to democracy and socialism, even though it eventually cost him his life.
Education
Barry III received a quality education from an early age. He attended the William Ponty Higher Normal School, a prestigious colonial school, where he was able to develop his intellectual skills. After graduating, he continued his studies in France and became a lawyer, which enabled him to acquire a solid legal education.
Political career
It was in 1954 that Barry III made his first steps in the political arena by running in the parliamentary elections under the banner of the Socialist Party of Guinea (DSG), an opposition party to Sékou Touré's Guinean Democratic Party (PDG). Although he received only 6.3% of the vote, this experience strengthened his determination to continue his political commitment.
In 1956, Barry III refused an offer from the CEO to run on their list in the parliamentary elections, preferring to remain faithful to his socialist convictions. He then appeared in the Conakry City Hall, but was defeated by Sékou Touré.
After Guinea's independence in 1958, Barry III joined the government of Sékou Touré as a minister. However, their relations quickly deteriorated due to their ideological differences. Barry III openly criticised the authoritarian tendencies of the Touré regime, which led to his dismissal from his governmental functions in 1964.
Syliyoré
Due to the similarity between his political programme and that of Sékou Touré, nicknamed "Syli" (the Elephant), Barry III was nicknamed "Sylyyoré" (little elephant). This nickname highlighted both the commonalities and differences between the two men, reflecting the complexity of their relationship.
Arrest and execution
In December 1970, Barry III was arrested by the regime of Sékou Touré, accused of conspiracy against the government. Despite the lack of tangible evidence, he was sentenced to death and summarily executed on 25 January 1971 in Conakry, along with three other political opponents.
Claims
Although Barry III was never judged fairly, his memory remains alive in the minds of many Guineans. Some still demand its rehabilitation and recognition of its role in the struggle for the country's independence. His sacrifice is a reminder of the many victims of the authoritarian regime of Sékou Touré.
Conclusion
Barry III's life and legacy are emblematic of the struggles and challenges faced by many African political leaders in their quest for independence and democracy. His courage and dedication to the socialist cause made him a martyr in the eyes of many Guineans. Although his execution was tragic, his journey will remain a source of inspiration for future generations of political activists in Africa and around the world.
