General Mamadouba Toto Camara was a complex and influential Guinean military and political figure who played a significant role in Guinea's political history in the early 21st century. Trained at Saint-Cyr and the National Defense Institute in Paris, he served as Chief of Staff of the Army, First Vice President of the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) under Moussa Dadis Camara, and Minister of Security and Civil Protection.
Despite his repeatedly thwarted presidential ambitions, he remained a respected military personality, navigating various Guinean political eras, including the military transition following Lansana Conté's death in 2008. Marked by controversies, notably his alleged involvement in the September 28, 2009, massacre, he passed away on August 23, 2021, in Conakry, leaving behind a rich and complex military career.
Introduction
General Mamadouba Toto Camara was a complex and influential Guinean military figure whose career was marked by moments of power, political temptations, and setbacks. His life perfectly illustrates the political turbulence of Guinea in the early 21st century.
Military Training
Born in the Boké prefecture, Mamadouba Toto Camara followed an exceptional military path. His international training, notably at Saint-Cyr and the National Defense Institute in Paris, shaped his military expertise and established his reputation as a brilliant officer.
The nickname "Toto," as recounted by his comrade-in-arms Kèlètigui Donzo, originated from his early military days. During communal meals, he was known for consistently collecting meat pieces from the dishes, earning him this affectionate nickname.
Military Career
In the early 2000s, as Lansana Conté's health declined, Mamadouba Toto Camara was suspected of being involved in plots against the ruling regime. In 2004, while serving as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, he was imprisoned alongside several political figures, including members of the Union of Republican Forces.
Following the death of Lansana Conté in December 2008, Camara emerged as a central figure. Appointed as the First Vice President of the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD), led by Moussa Dadis Camara, he held the strategic portfolio of Security.
Dark Areas
A shadow over his career is the September 28, 2009, massacre. As Minister of Security, he was indicted and prosecuted for the atrocities committed by the police forces under his command.
Political Journey
Before his significant political role, Camara served as a military attaché at the Guinean Embassy in the United States, a mission that seemed to be both a recognition of his skills and a way to distance him from internal power centers.
Reappointed as Minister of Security after Alpha Condé's rise to power, he was dismissed in October 2012, marking the beginning of his gradual withdrawal from the political scene.
Personal Life
Father of three children, including Lieutenant Demba Camara and his daughter Hawa Camara, he was described as a complex man—strict yet deeply affectionate, passionate about his work, and dedicated to his family.
Death and Recognition
On August 23, 2021, at the age of 76, Mamadouba Toto Camara passed away in Conakry after experiencing health issues. His death stirred national emotion, with tributes from political figures highlighting his military career and his contribution to Guinea's history.
Conclusion
The story of Mamadouba Toto Camara is that of a man caught between personal ambitions and political turbulence, an officer whose "presidential destiny" was repeatedly thwarted by internal power struggles.
A symposium organized on August 27, 2021, at the Sino-Guinean Hospital served as a final tribute, symbolizing the respect the Guinean nation held for this unique officer.
