El Hadj Abdoul Gadiri Dionfo Diallo is a prominent Guinean religious figure, born in May 1928 in colonial Guinea and enthroned as Khalife General of Fouta Djallon in July 2024, after being designated to this position in October 2023 following the death of his predecessor El Hadj Mamadou Bano Bah. A member of the Woussouneyabhé clan of Labé, he received solid Quranic training first from his father Thierno Diouldé Diallo, then from Thierno Sarifou Touloun Diari, before perfecting his Islamic education with the former royal scribe of the last king of Labé.
As Khalife General of the Tijani order whose reputation extends beyond Guinean borders, El Hadj Abdoul Gadiri divides his life between religious devotion and agriculture, leading a highly frequented Quranic center in Dionfo, a sub-prefecture east of Labé, and playing an essential role as mediator between communities and the Guinean state to preserve peace and social cohesion.
Introduction
El Hadj Abdoul Gadiri Dionfo Diallo is a prominent religious figure from Guinea, who was enthroned as Khalife General of Fouta Djallon on July 7, 2024. Born in May 1928 in colonial Guinea, he belongs to the Woussouneyabhé clan of Labé, with Bouroudji in Kouramangui serving as the vibrant center of Islamic culture in Middle Guinea.
Origins and Spiritual Formation
Son of Thierno Diouldé Diallo and Mariama Diouldé Diallo, El Hadj Abdoul Gadiri received a rigorous Quranic education from an early age. His father personally oversaw his introduction to Quranic sciences before entrusting him to Thierno Sarifou Touloun Diari, under whose guidance he completed memorization of the sacred book at the age of 18.
His thirst for knowledge then led him to study with the former royal scribe of Labé's last king, Alpha Yaya Diallo, to perfect his Islamic education. This journey marked by asceticism, passion, and perseverance earned him the honorary title of "Thierno," a local certification attesting to his mastery of the Quran and Islamic sciences.
International Recognition
Cheick Alpha Abdoul Gadiri Dionfo's reputation extends beyond Guinean borders. His knowledge and wisdom are recognized in national and international intellectual circles, particularly in Senegal, Gambia, Morocco, and Algeria. As Khalife General of the Tijaniyyah order, he has dedicated his life to two passions: the worship of God and agriculture.
A Renowned Quranic Center
Today, his Quranic center in Dionfo, a sub-prefecture east of Labé, is one of the most frequented in the region. For many believers wishing to perfect their learning or receive blessings, his establishment is considered an essential pilgrimage. This reputation has made him one of the most respected Sheikhs in Middle Guinea.
Rise to Khalife General
Following the death of El Hadj Mamadou Bano Bah in October 2023, the elders and religious guides of Middle Guinea unanimously designated El Hadj Abdoul Gadiri Diallo as the new Khalife General of Fouta Djallon on October 5, 2023. This appointment respects the traditional alternating order of "Labé, Timbo, Timbi" that governs the succession of Khalifes in the region.
His official enthronement took place on July 7, 2024, at the Elhadj Saifoulaye Diallo regional stadium in Labé, in the presence of Guinean government representatives, including government spokesperson Minister Ousmane Gaoual. On this occasion, the new Khalife promised to work toward lasting peace in the country.
Role as Mediator
As a moral authority, El Hadj Abdoul Gadiri Dionfo Diallo plays a crucial role as mediator between communities and the state. He regularly receives official visits, such as that of the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Crafts, Mr. Moussa Moïse Sylla, in December 2024, who came to request his prayers for peace and social cohesion in Guinea.
True to the traditions of Fouta, the Khalife welcomes his visitors with generosity and wisdom, offering symbolic gifts and organizing readings of the Holy Quran dedicated to peace in the country. His commitment to unity and solidarity makes him an essential pillar of social stability in Guinea.
