Alpha Condé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alpha Condé
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| ߊߟߑߝߊ߫ ߞߐ߲ߘߍ߫ | |
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Condé in 2020
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| 4th President of Guinea | |
| In office 21 December 2010 – 5 September 2021 |
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| Prime Minister | Jean-Marie Doré Mohamed Said Fofana Mamady Youla Ibrahima Kassory Fofana |
| Preceded by | Moussa Dadis Camara Sékouba Konaté (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Mamady Doumbouya (interim) |
| 15th Chairperson of the African Union | |
| In office 30 January 2017 – 28 January 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Idriss Déby |
| Succeeded by | Paul Kagame |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 March 1938 Boké, French Guinea |
| Political party | Rally of the Guinean People |
| Spouse |
Djene Kaba
(died 2023) |
| Education | Sciences Po Pantheon-Sorbonne University |
Alpha Condé (N'Ko: ߊߟߑߝߊ߫ ߞߐ߲ߘߍ߫; born 4 March 1938) is a politician from Guinea. He served as the fourth president of Guinea from 2010 to 2021. Before becoming president, he spent many years as an opposition leader. He ran for president several times without success, leading the Rally of the Guinean People (RPG) party.
In 2010, Condé was elected president in a second round of voting. He promised to make Guinea a stronger democracy and fight against corruption. When he took office in December 2010, he became the first president in Guinea's history to be freely elected by the people.
He was re-elected in 2015 and again in 2020. The 2020 election followed a change to the constitution that allowed him to seek more terms. This change was debated and led to large protests. From 2017 to 2018, Condé also served as the head of the African Union, an organization of African countries. On 5 September 2021, the military in Guinea arrested Condé and took over the government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alpha Condé was born on 4 March 1938 in a place called Boké in Lower Guinea. His parents originally came from Upper Volta.
When he was 15 years old, Condé moved to France. There, he became very active in student groups. He was involved with the National Union of Higher Education (SNESUP), the Association of Guinean Students in France (AEGF), and the Black African Students Federation in France (FEANF). He helped coordinate activities for African student groups in France from 1967 to 1975.
Early Political Career
Condé first ran for president in Guinea's first multiparty election on 19 December 1993. He received 18 percent of the votes. The election was won by Lansana Conté, who had been president since 1984. Condé's supporters had concerns about the election results.
In the 1998 presidential election, Condé ran again and came in third place. A few days after this election, he was arrested. He was charged with trying to leave the country without permission and with trying to gather people to cause problems for the government.
His trial began in April 2000. Condé and many others were accused of serious offenses. After some delays, Condé was sentenced to five years in jail. However, he was released in May 2001 when President Conté gave him a pardon. A condition of his release was that he could not take part in political activities. After his release, he went to France and returned to Guinea in July 2005.
After President Conté passed away and a military takeover happened in December 2008, Condé met with the new military leader, Moussa Dadis Camara. Condé initially said that the military leaders were "patriots." However, he later disagreed with the military government.
Presidency (2010–2021)
Becoming President in 2010
Condé ran for president again in the 2010 election. In the first round, he received 18 percent of the votes. He then won the second round on 15 November 2010, with 52.5 percent of the votes. His victory was seen as a new start for Guinea.
After becoming president, Condé worked to improve Guinea's mining laws. He wanted to reduce corruption in the mining industry and make sure the country benefited more from its natural resources. He consulted with George Soros to help create new rules that would increase the government's share from 15% to 35%.
Attack on the Presidential Residence
On 19 July 2011, the presidential residence was attacked. One presidential guard died, and two others were hurt. President Condé was safe. He later told the country that his house had been attacked but praised his guards for their bravery. He also said that his plans for reforms would continue.
Soon after, many soldiers were arrested in connection with the attack. The United Nations said that this event showed a need for military reforms in Guinea.
Ebola Outbreak Response
During the 2014 Ebola epidemic that affected West Africa, Condé's government initially downplayed the seriousness of the outbreak in Guinea. Some researchers believe this was because the government wanted to attract foreign investments, especially in mining.
In response to the outbreak, Condé's government put in place measures like suspending travel bans and stopping flights. The Ebola outbreak caused damage to Guinea's economy. Condé was hopeful that Guinea and other affected nations would receive significant financial help from the United Nations. He also met with Dr. Mohamed Belhocine to discuss the Ebola vaccine and set up a committee to study its effectiveness.
Re-election in 2015
On 17 October 2015, Condé was re-elected for his second term as president. He received 57.85 percent of the votes, which was enough to win in the first round. Some opposition groups raised concerns about the election process, but no official appeal was made. Condé was sworn in for his second term on 14 December 2015.
Meeting with Vladimir Putin
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In 2017, President Condé met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting was part of Guinea's efforts to strengthen its relationships with different countries around the world.
Protests in 2019–2020
From 2019 to 2020, there were many protests in Guinea. These protests were against changes to the constitution that would allow President Condé to run for more terms. During these protests, there were clashes, and unfortunately, many people lost their lives.
2020 Election and Third Term
Condé won a third term in the October 2020 presidential election, with 59.5% of the vote. He stated that a constitutional vote in March 2020 allowed him to run again, despite previous term limits. The opposition did not accept the results, and violent protests broke out across the country.
Economy During His Rule
Under President Condé's leadership, the Guinean economy grew by about 5% on average each year.
Overthrow
On 5 September 2021, President Condé was captured and removed from power by the military. The military's Special Forces announced that they had dissolved the constitution and closed the country's borders. Lieutenant-Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the head of the Special Forces, stated that government corruption and mismanagement led to the military takeover.
Condé was later released from military custody and went to stay at his wife's home in Conakry. His wife, Djene Kaba Condé, thanked the military for his release and for treating him respectfully.
Awards and Honours
National Honours
Guinea:
Grand Cross with Collar of the National Order of Merit
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Foreign Honours
Namibia:
Grand Commander of the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia mirabilis (9 May 2019)
Russia:
Recipient of the Order of Friendship (28 September 2017)
Personal Life
Alpha Condé is a Muslim. He was married to Djene Kaba Condé until she passed away in 2023. He has one son, Alpha Mohamed Condé.
Sanctions
On 9 December 2022, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury placed sanctions on Condé and others. This was due to concerns about corruption and human rights issues.
See also
In Spanish: Alpha Condé para niños
