General Namory Traoré is a prominent military figure in Guinea who served as the Chief of General Staff of the Guinean Armed Forces for eight years (2013-2021) under President Alpha Condé. Originally from Kouroussa in Upper Guinea, he rose remarkably from his beginnings as a simple corporal to the highest ranks of the military. A proponent of a republican and apolitical army, he worked toward modernizing the Guinean armed forces and actively engaged them in international peacekeeping missions.
His military career abruptly ended following the September 5, 2021 coup led by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, who retired him from the military before paradoxically appointing him as Guinea's Ambassador to Morocco in 2022. A widower since the passing of his wife, Mrs. M'mah Saran Kourouma, in 2018 and a father of six daughters, General Traoré was later accused by former President Alpha Condé of playing a role in the coup that led to his overthrow.
Introduction
General Namory Traoré is a prominent figure in the Guinean army, having held the prestigious position of Chief of General Staff of the Guinean Armed Forces for eight consecutive years. His career exemplifies the rise of a dedicated officer whose military path has been marked by increasing responsibilities and loyalty that earned him the enduring trust of President Alpha Condé.
Early Leadership of the Guinean Army
Born in the Kouroussa prefecture of Upper Guinea, Namory Traoré experienced a remarkable ascent within the Guinean military institution. Starting his career as a simple corporal, he climbed the military hierarchy with determination and professionalism. This exemplary progression reflects his skills and commitment to the national army.
February 26, 2013, marked a decisive turning point in his career when he was officially appointed Chief of General Staff of the Guinean Armed Forces by presidential decree. Before this appointment, he had served as Deputy Chief of General Staff and was designated to act as an interim leader following the tragic death of General Souleymane Kéléfa Diallo in a plane crash near Monrovia on February 11 of the same year.
Longevity at the Helm of the Armed Forces
Between 2013 and 2021, General Namory Traoré distinguished himself through his exceptional longevity at the head of the Guinean army. For eight years, he remained steadfast in his position, demonstrating the unwavering confidence President Alpha Condé had in him. Such stability in a highly strategic role is rare in the often unstable political context of West Africa.
Under his command, the Guinean army underwent significant reforms aimed at making it more professional and republican. General Traoré often emphasized the importance of maintaining a military institution that is "apolitical and subject to legally established civil authority, as stipulated by Article 141 of the Constitution."
Contributions and Achievements
During his tenure as head of the armed forces, General Namory Traoré oversaw several significant advancements:
- Participation in International Peacekeeping Operations: Under his leadership, Guinea contributed to the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), strengthening the country's role in regional stability.
- Army Modernization: He worked to acquire new equipment and resources for the benefit of the Guinean Armed Forces.
- Training and Professionalization: National recruitment and the training of the Special Forces Group were among his top priorities.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Response: In 2020, he coordinated the army’s involvement in combating the pandemic, collaborating with the National Agency for Health Security (ANSS).
Personal Life and Challenges
General Namory Traoré faced a painful personal ordeal on October 25, 2018, when his wife, Mrs. M'mah Saran Kourouma, passed away due to illness in Tunisia. During the funeral ceremony, he expressed his emotions, stating, "She was more than a wife to me; she was my confidante." This loss deeply affected him, having married her when he was still a simple corporal.
The couple had six daughters, and his wife's support was crucial in his professional rise. As he himself admitted, "Every time I advanced in rank, she congratulated me, and I would say it's thanks to her."
Principles and Vision for the Army
General Namory Traoré had a clear vision of the army's role in Guinean society. He frequently asserted that "the Guinean army is a republican army in the service of the nation" and emphasized that "military duty requires discipline, loyalty, availability, neutrality, and a spirit of sacrifice at all times and in all places."
In response to criticism or attempts to manipulate the army's image, he did not hesitate to remind people of the fundamental missions of the military: "to defend territorial integrity, protect republican institutions, and safeguard the honor and independence of the homeland."
The September 5, 2021 Coup
General Namory Traoré's career as head of the armed forces abruptly ended following the September 5, 2021 coup, which overthrew President Alpha Condé. Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, head of the Special Forces Group, seized power and quickly made changes in the military's high command.
On October 13, 2021, General Traoré was retired alongside 43 other general officers, and Colonel Sadiba Koulibaly replaced him as Chief of General Staff. This decision marked the end of an era for the Guinean army.
In a press interview in March 2023, former President Alpha Condé accused General Traoré of playing a role in the coup, stating, "When I returned, I was supposed to remove Namory and make significant changes in both the government and the military. [...] They acted preemptively." These accusations cast a shadow over the general's career and loyalty, though he has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Diplomatic Transition
Despite his retirement, General Namory Traoré quickly adapted. He was first appointed a member of the Superior Defense Council, a strategic body responsible for coordinating security and defense policy under Colonel Doumbouya's leadership.
In 2022, his career took an unexpected turn when he was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guinea to Morocco by the transitional president, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya. This appointment surprised many observers, given the tensions that marked the end of his tenure as head of the armed forces.
General Traoré eventually took up his diplomatic post in Rabat after several months of waiting for his accreditation, a process complicated by the political context of the Guinean transition. This appointment reflects his ability to navigate the complex waters of Guinean politics while maintaining a degree of influence despite regime changes.
Legacy and Impact
General Namory Traoré's journey illustrates the challenges and complexities of a high-level military career in West Africa. His remarkable tenure at the head of the Guinean armed forces highlights his abilities as a military leader, despite the controversies surrounding the events of September 5, 2021.
Beyond the controversies, his commitment to a professional and republican army contributed to modernizing the Guinean military institution. His diplomatic transition further demonstrates the adaptability of senior military leaders amid the frequent power shifts that characterize political transitions in Africa.
