Georges Gandhi Faraguet Tounkara (1957-2016) was a multifaceted Guinean personality. Born in N'zérékoré and educated internationally (France, England, the United States), he was an academic, entrepreneur, diplomat, and politician. After serving as a UNESCO expert and a professor at the University of Conakry, he founded the Saint Georges School Complex and Mercure International University.
His political career led him to become the Minister of Higher Education in 2010, and later the leader of the UGDD party, under which he ran for the 2015 presidential election. A man of culture and a passionate jazz enthusiast, he was known for his intellectual elegance and his vision of a united and reconciled Guinea. He passed away suddenly on January 7, 2016, in Conakry, leaving behind the image of a distinguished man committed to his country's development.
Introduction
Georges Gandhi Faraguet Tounkara, an emblematic figure in Guinean politics and education, left a significant mark on his country through his multifaceted commitment and international career. Born on November 12, 1957, in N'zérékoré, and passing away on January 7, 2016, in Conakry, this man of many talents skillfully combined academic excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and political dedication throughout his life.
Exile and Thirst for Knowledge
Originally from N'zérékoré in the Guinean forest region, Georges Gandhi Tounkara left his homeland at an early age. His journey of exile led him to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and eventually Senegal, where he earned his high school diploma. This early experience of displacement shaped his open-mindedness and remarkable adaptability.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he pursued higher education abroad, studying in France, England, and the United States. He earned a master's degree in British civilization, a bachelor's degree in foreign languages and civilizations, and a DEUG in Arts and Humanities. Additionally, he became a certified English teacher from the University of Newark-Delaware in the United States, a testament to his academic excellence.
Returning Home
In 1986, motivated by a desire to contribute to the development of his homeland, Georges Gandhi Tounkara returned to Guinea as a UNESCO expert at the University of Conakry. He dedicated his expertise to the advancement of Guinean higher education, becoming a professor of legal and economic English at the Faculty of Law, Economics, and Management.
His commitment to education also manifested through his entrepreneurial spirit. In the late 1990s, he founded the Saint Georges School Complex, followed by Mercure International University, two institutions that significantly improved the educational landscape in Guinea.
A Diplomat
In 2000, Georges Gandhi Tounkara broadened his skill set by undergoing training in diplomacy, cooperation, and development at the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This training enabled him to serve at the British Consulate in Guinea, where he distinguished himself with his fluency in English and negotiation abilities.
Entering Politics
The year 2010 marked a turning point in Georges Gandhi Tounkara's career as he was appointed Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the transitional national unity government. He represented the United Front for Democracy and Change (FUDEC), a party for which he served as Secretary-General.
Later, he took a new political direction, leaving FUDEC after it joined the RPG Rainbow Coalition. He then aligned with the Guinean Union for Democracy and Development (UGDD) led by Holomou Kourouma, becoming the party's leader in March 2015.
The 2015 Presidential Candidacy
The pinnacle of his political career came with his candidacy in the 2015 presidential election under the UGDD banner. Although his 0.50% score reflected a limited electoral base, his campaign stood out for its message of national reconciliation and ambitious vision.
In his speeches, particularly on September 28, 2015, he emphasized a united Guinea, referencing the dual significance of that historical date: the "NO" to French colonization in 1958 and the tragic events of the September 28, 2009, stadium massacre. He advocated for social cohesion, national reconciliation, and promised to rehabilitate victims of violence and injustice if elected.
His political platform prioritized justice and education, proposing economic reforms to establish "a productive administration serving a strong, managerial state." Deeply troubled by the challenging living conditions of Guineans, he vowed to fight to end the suffering of the population.
A Man of Culture
Beyond his political and educational commitments, Georges Gandhi Tounkara was a man of refined culture. A passionate jazz enthusiast, he owned a jazz club in Kipé near Conakry, where he interacted with renowned musicians like Malian artist Ali Farka Touré. This love for music revealed a lesser-known artistic sensitivity.
Described by those close to him as a distinguished, courteous, and refined man, he was known for his moderation and appreciation for "well-done things." Far from being snobbish, he cultivated an intellectual elegance that earned him the respect of his peers.
A Sudden Departure
Georges Gandhi Faraguet Tounkara passed away suddenly on January 7, 2016, at Ignace Deen Hospital in Conakry, at the age of 58, following a heart attack. His sudden death caused deep sorrow in Guinea, where many tributes were paid in his honor.
His funeral, held on January 14, 2016, gathered a large crowd who came to bid him a final farewell. The ceremony began with a body viewing at Ignace Deen Hospital’s morgue, followed by prayers at Anne-Marie Church in Nongo and Sainte-Marie Church in Manquepas. A national tribute was also held at the Congress Hall of the People's Palace before his burial at the Cameroun Cemetery in Conakry.
A Living Legacy
Married and the father of three children, Georges Gandhi Tounkara leaves behind the legacy of a visionary and honorable man whose dedication to education and national reconciliation continues to inspire the younger generations of Guinea. His educational institutions, the Saint Georges School Complex and Mercure International University, perpetuate his vision of a developed Guinea through education and knowledge.
More than just a politician or entrepreneur, Georges Gandhi Tounkara embodied a unique ideal of personal and national success—an exemplary path that still resonates in the collective memory of Guinea.
