Fodé Oussou Fofana is a prominent figure in Guinean politics, a trained pharmacist, and Vice President of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG), in charge of social and legal affairs. Known for his outspoken nature and unwavering loyalty to Cellou Dalein Diallo, he gained national attention as campaign manager during the presidential elections of 2010, 2015, and 2020.
A staunch defender of fundamental freedoms, particularly press freedom, he has frequently clashed with successive regimes, leading to his placement under judicial supervision in 2022. Despite political pressure and widespread party-switching in Guinea, he has remained true to his principles, famously declaring that “my conviction is not for sale.” This steadfastness has earned him respect both within the Guinean opposition and among the diaspora, culminating in his recognition in 2024 as one of the “100 personalities shaping Guinea.”
Introduction
Fodé Oussou Fofana is a prominent figure in Guinean politics, known for his unwavering commitment to the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and his loyalty to its leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo. A trained pharmacist, he serves as the party’s Vice President in charge of Social and Legal Affairs and has established himself as a leading voice of the Guinean opposition, embodying the values of consistency and integrity in a political landscape often marked by opportunism and shifting allegiances.
Political Career and Commitment
Fodé Oussou Fofana came to national prominence during the controversial 2010 presidential campaign, where he played a key role as campaign manager for Cellou Dalein Diallo. His effectiveness in this position led to him being entrusted with the same responsibility in the 2015 and 2020 elections, a testament to the trust placed in him by the UFDG leader.
Within the party, he has emerged as a tireless advocate for democratic values and a sharp critic of successive regimes, particularly that of Alpha Condé and later the military junta of the National Committee of the Rally for Development (CNRD), led by General Mamadi Doumbouya. His candid speaking style and piercing rhetoric have made him a respected voice at the UFDG’s weekly general assemblies, where he tackles political issues head-on.
Unshakable Political Convictions
In June 2020, at a time when political defection was widespread in Guinea, Fodé Oussou Fofana made a memorable public declaration: “My conviction is not for sale!” He denounced the phenomenon of politicians with “fake convictions” who easily abandon their commitments out of greed.
His steadfast loyalty to his principles and his party has become one of the defining features of his political identity. Upon returning from a trip to the United States in September 2024, where he met with the Guinean diaspora, he reiterated the importance of loyalty in politics: “In politics, it’s not about money. It’s about loyalty! [...] As a politician, you must avoid flip-flopping.”
Clashes with Authorities
Fodé Oussou Fofana’s political journey has been marked by several confrontations with Guinean authorities. In October 2020, shortly after the disputed presidential election, he was arrested alongside another party vice president outside Cellou Dalein Diallo’s residence. They were forcibly taken to an undisclosed location at night and released a few hours later after behind-the-scenes negotiations.
In November 2022, he was placed under judicial supervision along with eight other opposition figures for supporting banned protests. As a result, his passport was confiscated, preventing him from traveling abroad for medical treatment. It was only in March 2023, following special authorization from the Minister of Justice, that he was finally allowed to leave the country for care.
Defender of Fundamental Freedoms
True to his democratic convictions, Fodé Oussou Fofana has consistently stood up for fundamental freedoms, particularly press freedom and the right to information. In February 2024, he strongly criticized the ongoing internet restrictions imposed since November 2023, highlighting the devastating economic consequences of the blackout and calling out the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications.
In June 2024, after several private media outlets were shut down by the transitional authorities, he made an emotional appeal to national leaders: “Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. President of the CNT, Mr. President of the Supreme Court, Imam Elhadj Mamadou Saliou Camara, Archbishop Vincent Koulibaly, and all concerned Guineans — take up your pilgrim’s staff. Go meet whoever needs to hear it and tell them that closing media outlets is unacceptable. It tarnishes the image of the country.”
Vision for a Democratic Guinea
Through his public statements, Fodé Oussou Fofana outlines a clear vision for Guinea’s future. He has pledged that if Cellou Dalein Diallo becomes president, “press freedom will be guaranteed,” and “media outlets will receive subsidies and have the right to criticize whoever they want.”
His commitment to democracy also came through in his denunciation of attempts by certain political actors to manipulate the transition process. In June 2022, he lambasted pro-junta support movements, accusing them of trying to “mislead General Mamadi Doumbouya” and plotting to eliminate key political contenders like Cellou and Sidya.
Recognition and Influence
Fodé Oussou Fofana’s political influence has extended beyond party lines. In September 2024, he was selected among the “100 personalities shaping Guinea” during the 8th edition of the National Forum of Public Actors (FONAP), a clear indicator of his impact on the national political scene.
His popularity was also evident during his 2024 visit to the United States, where he received a warm welcome from the Guinean diaspora. The experience left a deep impression on him: “I cried because I saw so many Guineans taking pictures with me. [...] They looked me in the eye and said: ‘We appreciate you because you are loyal, because you are sincere.’”
Back in 2019, as the former president of Guinea’s National Order of Pharmacists for 14 years, he strongly supported a strike threat by the organization to protest the illegal sale of medicines in the streets and markets. He denounced Guinea’s exception in the subregion, where roadside medicine shops flourish, providing access to controlled substances like valium. He criticized authorities for releasing traffickers and allowing fake drugs to circulate freely, warning that “a drug handled by a non-professional is dangerous, even if it is of good quality.”
Relationship with the Media
Understanding the crucial role of the media in a democracy, Fodé Oussou Fofana maintains a respectful but cautious relationship with the press. In February 2025, he expressed difficulty in responding to calls from unknown numbers claiming to be journalists and invited them to go through his party’s communication team for interviews.
“We have a communication cell. If you want a debate or an interview with Fodé Oussou on current issues, go through the communication cell — they will inform us, we’ll meet, and we’ll have the discussion, even if it’s at 11:30 p.m., because we respect the press,” he said, reaffirming “the respect his party has for Guinean media.”
Conclusion
A leading figure of the Guinean opposition, Fodé Oussou Fofana represents a form of politics grounded in principles and firm convictions. In a political environment often dominated by opportunism and shifting allegiances, his consistency and loyalty to the UFDG and Cellou Dalein Diallo make him a model of political ethics. As he warned in October 2024: “If you're in politics and you're not consistent — if you're a political wanderer — you endanger your family and your whole generation because tomorrow, you won’t be able to hold your head high.”
His journey highlights the challenges faced by opposition figures in Guinea and demonstrates that it is still possible to maintain a coherent political stance despite external pressures. At a time when Guinea is undergoing a critical political transition, Fodé Oussou Fofana’s voice continues to resonate as a call for integrity and democratic values.
