Mamadi Touré, born on December 11, 1952, in Kankan, is a Guinean diplomat and politician who served as Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2021. He holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Conakry and a business administration degree from the City University of New York. Touré built an impressive international career, holding various positions at the United Nations from the 1990s, including serving as the political adviser to the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea and as head of the regional office of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
Appointed as Guinea's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2011, he later led Guinea's diplomacy during the country's chairmanship of the African Union in 2017. He also played a key role in Guinea's presidency of the Group of 77 plus China in 2020, while working toward modernizing Guinea's diplomatic apparatus, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and engaging with the Guinean diaspora.
Introduction
Born on December 11, 1952, in Kankan, Mamadi Touré is a Guinean diplomat and politician who has significantly influenced his country's diplomacy through his dedication and vision. After studying civil engineering at the University of Conakry, he furthered his education with a degree in business administration from the City University of New York, laying the foundation for a promising international career.
His career at the United Nations began in the 1990s, where he held several strategic positions. Between 2004 and 2007, he served as the political adviser to the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. During the same period, he led the regional office of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), showcasing his expertise in managing international crises.
International Career
In 2011, Mamadi Touré was appointed Guinea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This appointment aligned with President Alpha Condé's vision, trusting him to represent Guinea's voice on the global stage.
On August 22, 2017, his career took a new turn when he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, succeeding Makalé Camara. This nomination came amid efforts to revitalize Guinea's diplomacy as the country assumed the chairmanship of the African Union.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
During his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mamadi Touré oversaw several major diplomatic initiatives. Notably, he played a crucial role in Guinea's successful presidency of the African Union in 2017, a period he described as "one of the most dynamic in the organization's recent history."
One of the highlights of his tenure was organizing Guinea's first Diplomatic Conference in April-May 2019 under the theme "Diplomacy in the Service of Guinea’s Emergence." This conference laid the groundwork for necessary reforms to modernize Guinea's diplomatic apparatus, including improving the living and working conditions of diplomats abroad.
Under his leadership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also redirected Guinea’s diplomacy towards economic objectives, strengthening investment promotion through its diplomatic and consular missions.
Bilateral and International Cooperation
During his mandate, Mamadi Touré led Guinea in several sessions of Joint Cooperation Commissions with partner countries such as Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Namibia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, and Tunisia. These initiatives resulted in numerous agreements across sectors contributing to the National Plan for Economic and Social Development (PNDES).
Notable agreements signed under his leadership included visa exemptions with countries like the United Arab Emirates, facilitating the movement of people and goods. Official visits to Cuba and India also led to agreements in health, the water supply for Greater Conakry, and electrification of seven public universities.
Commitment to the Guinean Diaspora
Mamadi Touré demonstrated strong dedication to Guineans living abroad. Under his leadership, the Ministry organized the first Diaspora Forum in 2018 and established 38 Councils of Guineans Abroad, paving the way for the future election of the High Council of Guineans Abroad.
He also supervised the finalization and adoption of Guinea’s migration policy and profile, with the support of international partners. Efforts were made to develop a project aimed at involving the Guinean diaspora in the country’s socio-economic development, although its implementation faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defense of the African Position
In July 2019, Mamadi Touré found himself at the center of controversy regarding a confidential note addressed to Guinean diplomats, supporting a constitutional reform in Guinea. This incident revealed the internal political tensions surrounding the proposed new constitution, which could have allowed President Alpha Condé to seek an additional term.
On the international stage, he firmly condemned xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in South Africa in September 2019. He described these attacks as "savage," "repugnant," and "unacceptable," recalling Guinea's historical commitment to the liberation of South Africa.
Pan-African Vision
A strong advocate for African integration, Mamadi Touré shared his vision of a united Africa in June 2020. He highlighted Guinea’s historical role from the Casablanca Group to the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, emphasizing the country’s commitment to the emancipation of African peoples.
In an interview, he stated, "There has been a delay that must be made up for to achieve the creation of the United States of Africa, which will realize the dream of founding fathers like Presidents Ahmed Sékou Touré and Kwame Nkrumah." This pan-African vision guided his actions as the head of Guinea's diplomacy.
Presidency of the G77
In November 2020, under his leadership, Guinea was selected to chair the Group of 77 plus China at the United Nations from January 2021. This appointment recognized Guinea's active engagement on the international stage, making it the third West African country to lead this UN organization after Ghana and Nigeria.
On this occasion, Mamadi Touré declared, "The vision has already been set by the President of the Republic, and there are issues we will focus on, including women’s empowerment, official development assistance, illicit financial flows, climate change, and many others."
His tenure as Foreign Minister ended in January 2021 after three and a half years of service. During the handover to his successor, Ibrahima Kalil Kaba, he highlighted the positive outcomes of his work, including the rejuvenation and increased representation of women in Guinea's diplomatic administration. He was then appointed Minister-Counselor to the President of the Republic.
Legacy and Contributions
Mamadi Touré's tenure as Foreign Minister left a lasting impact on Guinea's diplomacy. His key contributions include:
- Revitalizing Guinea's diplomacy on the international stage
- Organizing Guinea's first Diplomatic Conference
- Improving working conditions for Guinean diplomats
- Strengthening relations with international partners
- Commitment to the Guinean diaspora
- Promoting a pan-African vision
- Leading Guinea to the presidency of the Group of 77 plus China
His career exemplifies the dedication of a diplomat serving his country and the African continent with a clear vision for African integration and Guinea's international development.
