Dr. Sékou Benna Camara is a Guinean politician born on May 25, 1955, in Molah, renowned for his commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. He holds a Ph.D. in hydrotechnical engineering from Belarus and American degrees in computer programming. He founded the Guinea United for Development (GUD) party and presides over the National Alliance of Political Parties for Development.
As a member of the National Assembly and vice-president of the Republican Assembly parliamentary group, he has distinguished himself as the chair of the Environment Committee and led the Alliance of Parliamentarians for Coastal Protection in West Africa. His work on urban sanitation and waste management in Conakry earned him international recognition in 2020 as the "Best Political Public Ambassador in the World" by the World Humanitarian Drive, highlighting his dedication to serving humanity and his vision for a prosperous Guinea based on the prudent use of natural resources.
Introduction
Born on May 25, 1955, in Molah, Guinea, Dr. Sékou Benna Camara has built an impressive career that combines technical expertise, political dedication, and a deep commitment to his country's sustainable development.
Education and Career Path
Coming from a modest family background, Sékou Benna Camara quickly distinguished himself through his academic excellence. After obtaining his high school diploma, he was selected among the top ten students in Guinea to pursue higher education in Europe.
His impressive academic journey includes:
- A master's degree in hydrotechnical engineering from the Belarusian Polytechnic Institute.
- A Ph.D. in hydrotechnical engineering and improvement from the Research Science Institute in Minsk, Belarus.
Following his immigration to the United States, Dr. Camara further expanded his expertise with certifications in computer programming and web design. His professional career in the U.S. was marked by roles in prestigious institutions such as:
- The Board of Education
- Morgan Stanley
- Paine Webber
- Urban Box Office
Later, he became the General Director of AtlanTrade International, LTD, a company specializing in business management related to mining, as well as the import and export of resources.
Political Engagement
Sékou Benna Camara's political journey took shape with the founding of the Guinea United for Development (GUD) party, where he serves as president. He also leads the National Alliance of Political Parties for Development (NAPD), a larger political platform.
His parliamentary career began with his election as a member of the Guinean National Assembly, where he chaired the Committee on Environment, Fisheries, Rural and Sustainable Development. After the legislative elections of March 22, 2020, he joined the parliamentary group of the Republican Assembly as its vice-president.
One of Dr. Camara's most significant regional contributions was his appointment in October 2017 as the president of the Alliance of Parliamentarians and Local Elected Officials for Coastal Protection in West Africa (APPEL). In this role, he succeeded Mauritanian MP Siddy Baba Lahah.
His main political commitments include:
- Protecting coastal environments
- Promoting a transparent blue economy
- Urban sanitation, particularly in Conakry
- Opposing the 2019 constitutional change in Guinea, distancing himself from the presidential majority
Environmental Projects
Dr. Camara is notably recognized for his dedication to environmental protection. He has worked to address the challenges posed by the Concasseur landfill in Conakry, a site with significant health and environmental risks.
In 2016, he facilitated a partnership between Guinea and Finland, involving Helsinki’s municipal company, DORANOVA, to implement sustainable waste management solutions. The project's objectives included:
- Securely closing the Concasseur landfill
- Extracting harmful gases and converting them into electricity
- Transforming the former landfill into a green space with public areas
His vision for Guinea is based on sustainable development and the responsible use of natural resources, which he sees as essential for the country's economic growth and a prosperous future for its citizens.
International Recognition
On June 28, 2020, Dr. Sékou Benna Camara received an international award from the World Humanitarian Drive (WHD) in London, recognizing him as the "Best Political Public Ambassador in the World." This honor, awarded among 1,600 nominees from 52 countries, acknowledges his exceptional dedication to societal well-being and his service to humanity.
Personal Life
On a personal level, Sékou Benna Camara is married to a classically trained pianist and is the father of two children. His son and daughter are pursuing doctorates in physiotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine, respectively.
Personal Philosophy
His motto, “Together, anything is possible”, reflects his strong belief in the power of collaboration and collective action. Known for his pragmatic approach, Dr. Camara emphasizes practical solutions over mere criticism. As he often states, “Criticizing is easy, but providing solutions is better.”
Through his exemplary journey, Dr. Sékou Benna Camara embodies a model of civic engagement and enlightened leadership, using his technical expertise and political influence to drive sustainable development in Guinea and West Africa.
