N'Famara Keïta (1924-1984) was a Guinean economist and politician, a key figure in the First Republic under Ahmed Sékou Touré. Originally from Molota (Kindia), he began his career as a court clerk before engaging in union activism and becoming mayor of Kindia in 1956. Following Guinea’s independence in 1958, he played a major role in the creation of the national army and held several strategic ministerial positions, notably in trade, energy, and social affairs. A visionary leader, he advocated for an army actively involved in the country’s economic development. After Sékou Touré’s death in 1984, he was arrested by Lansana Conté’s military regime and executed, becoming an unjustly forgotten figure in Guinean history.
Introduction
N'Famara Keïta, born in 1924 in Molota (Kindia) and executed in 1984, was a key figure in Guinea’s post-independence political landscape. An economist and politician, he held several strategic positions under Ahmed Sékou Touré’s regime, including Minister of Trade, Social Affairs, and Energy. He also played a crucial role in the creation of the Guinean army, although his contributions have been largely overshadowed in official historical narratives.
Education and Union Involvement
Keïta pursued his secondary education in Dakar before becoming a court clerk in Macenta in 1947. His union activism caught the attention of Ahmed Sékou Touré, who integrated him into the influential ranks of the Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG). In 1956, Keïta was elected mayor of Kindia, alongside other prominent figures such as Sékou Touré in Conakry and Saïfoulaye Diallo in Mamou.
Architect of the Guinean Army
Following Guinea’s independence on October 2, 1958, establishing a national army became a priority. On November 1, 1958, Keïta was appointed Secretary of State in charge of this initiative. He played a central role in drafting the army’s statutes and training its first officers, securing military scholarships from the Soviet Union. He also oversaw the repatriation of Guinean soldiers demobilized from the French army, including future president Lansana Conté.
A Multifaceted Statesman
By 1960, Keïta was serving as Minister of Cooperatives, where he devised an ambitious plan for industrial and agricultural development. In 1962, he signed a trade agreement with the Soviet Union. His ministerial career continued with key roles: Minister of Trade (1963), Vice President (1964), and Minister of Trade, Transport, and Telecommunications (1968). In 1969, he represented Guinea in China and met with Mao Zedong.
During the 1970s, Keïta became Minister of Social Affairs before moving to the Ministry of Energy and Konkouré in 1979. He advocated for an army actively involved in economic development, stating:
"We want an army integrated into the national economy, where soldiers contribute to the country's development by cultivating rice fields in Upper Guinea."
Tragic End
Following Sékou Touré’s death in 1984, a military coup led by General Lansana Conté toppled the regime. Like many former officials, Keïta was arrested and imprisoned in Kindia, where he died on September 2, 1984. In a tragic twist of fate, he became a victim of the very army he had helped create.
Legacy
Despite his significant contributions to Guinea’s history, N'Famara Keïta’s legacy remains largely overlooked. His role in structuring the army and advancing economic development is rarely mentioned in historical accounts or official narratives. Yet, he remains a symbol of dedication and vision for modern Guinea.
Rehabilitating His Memory
As Guinea seeks to reassess its past to build a better future, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of figures like N'Famara Keïta. His role as a state builder and a strategist for national development deserves a more prominent place in the country’s historical records.
Conclusion
N'Famara Keïta was much more than a mere minister under the First Republic. A man of action and conviction, he laid the groundwork for Guinea’s modern state. His commitment to a sovereign army and inclusive economic development reflects his patriotism and foresight. While his name has often been forgotten, it is time to restore him to his rightful place in the nation’s history. His legacy should serve as an inspiration for future generations, guiding Guinea toward strength and resilience.
