Eugène Camara (born 21 January 1942) was a Guinean politician. After primary education in Guinea and Senegal, he embarked on a long career in the Guinean public administration, occupying various important positions related to the industry, energy and economic development of the country.
His political commitment led him to be briefly appointed Prime Minister in February 2007 by President Lansana Conté, in a context of social tensions and demands for change. Although his term of office was short, Eugène Camara will remain in memory as a dedicated servant of the state of Guinea, having climbed to the highest levels of office before his death on November 22, 2019.
Introduction
Eugène Camara was a Guinean politician who marked the history of his country with his commitment and dedication. Born on January 21, 1942 in Nzérékoré, he climbed the ranks of public service to become briefly Prime Minister of Guinea in February 2007. His professional and political career demonstrates his unwavering willingness to serve his country and to contribute to its development.
Education
Eugène Camara received a solid education from an early age. After his primary studies in Guinea, he continued his studies in Senegal from 1957 to 1959 before returning to Conakry to continue his studies there. This early international experience may have contributed to shaping his worldview and openness.
Professional career
Since the early 1970s, Eugène Camara has held key positions in the industrial sector in Guinea. He started as General Coordinator of the Sonfonia furniture factory, under the Department of Industry and Energy. Subsequently, he was in charge of the financial coordination of industry and energy, before becoming Deputy Director of Industry and Energy from 1973 to 1974.
In 1974, Camara completed an internship at the International Centre for Public Enterprises in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia. On his return to Guinea, he was appointed Director of Plan and Statistics at the Department of Industry and Energy in 1977, and then Finance Director of Projects at the same department from 1977 to 1984.
His professional ascension continued in the 1980s and 1990s. He chaired the technical committee of the board of directors of Salguidia, a company, from 1983 to 1985, before being confirmed as secretary-general of the Department of Industrial Development in 1985. In 1991, President Lansana Conté appointed him a member of the Transitional Committee for National Reform.
Prime Minister
The culmination of Eugène Camara's political career was his appointment to the post of Prime Minister on 9 February 2007 by President Conté. This decision followed a general strike in January, during which Conté had agreed to appoint a new Prime Minister to head the government.
However, the appointment of Camara, a member of the ruling party, the Union for Progress and Renewal (UPR), was not welcomed by the opposition, who perceived him as a man of the old regime. Violence broke out in several parts of the country, and the unions resumed the strike on 12 February, prompting Conté to declare martial law on the same day.
Despite a proposal to leave Camara in office as Prime Minister for a trial period of three months, the trade unions rejected the offer on 20 February. Finally, on February 25, Conté agreed to appoint a new Prime Minister from a list of individuals chosen by trade unions and civil society representatives. Lansana Kouyaté was appointed on 26 February, and Camara presided over his oath ceremony on 1 March.
Death
Eugène Camara died on November 22, 2019 in Tinus, leaving behind a legacy of public service and devotion to his country.
Conclusion
The life of Eugène Camara perfectly illustrates the commitment and resilience of a man who dedicated his career to the service of his country. Although his career as Prime Minister was brief and tumultuous, his professional career demonstrated an unwavering willingness to contribute to the development of Guinea. His dedication and integrity will remain a source of inspiration for future generations of Guinean leaders.
