Moussa Moïse Sylla

Introduction

Moussa Moïse Sylla has established himself as an essential figure in the Guinean media and political landscape. From influential journalist and commentator to Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Crafts, his professional journey demonstrates a remarkable rise and constant commitment to his country.

Origins and Education

Born as Moussa Sylla, he completed his primary education in Côte d'Ivoire before returning to Guinea in 9th grade, where he continued his studies until obtaining his baccalaureate. His academic path led him to UNIC University in Lambagni where he specialized in public law, complementing his training with journalism courses.

The addition of the first name "Moïse" to his surname came during his career at Radio Gangan FM. Due to the presence of many colleagues also bearing the name Sylla (including founder Abé Sylla and general director Baba Sylla), the latter suggested he adopt the name "Moussa Moïse" to avoid confusion – an identity he has maintained throughout his career.

An Influential Media Career

Moussa Moïse Sylla's professional journey in media is marked by significant experiences that helped build his reputation. His beginnings at Gangan FM were followed by internships at France Télévision, then a position as correspondent for AITV, a channel specializing in broadcasting African news in Europe and providing reports to TV5 Monde.

His career gained greater prominence when he became news director at Espace TV and star commentator of the show "Les Grandes Gueules" (The Big Mouths), a program that established itself as a reference in the Guinean media landscape. His charismatic presence and outspokenness made him a respected and influential voice in current affairs debates.

Confrontation with Authorities and Defense of Press Freedom

In November 2017, Moussa Moïse Sylla found himself at the center of a controversy that mobilized the entire journalistic profession in Guinea. Summoned by the Judicial Investigation Department (PM3) of Matam and then prosecuted for "undermining national defense," he received massive support from professional media associations that denounced "harassment by authorities" and "intimidation attempts" toward the press.

During this ordeal, defended by several lawyers including bar president Mohamed Traoré, he maintained a principled position, asserting that he had "committed no offense" and that he could "not take actions that would harm the country's security." This episode highlighted his commitment to freedom of expression and his courage in the face of pressure.

Leadership During a Health Crisis

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Guinea in 2020, Moussa Moïse Sylla, then general director of Espace TV, demonstrated his leadership qualities by making difficult but necessary decisions to protect his team. Facing the rapid spread of the virus, he supervised a thorough reorganization of Hadafo Media Group's programs, temporarily suspending several shows that required the simultaneous presence of many people.

His crisis management was also illustrated by rigorous preventive measures, such as isolating journalists who had been in contact with individuals testing positive and organizing screening tests for the "Les Grandes Gueules" team. These decisions demonstrated a keen sense of responsibility and a desire to preserve both the continuity of information services and the health of his colleagues.

Entry into the Political Sphere

The major turning point in Moussa Moïse Sylla's career came on December 14, 2021, when he was appointed Director of the Information and Communication Bureau of the Presidency of the Republic of Guinea. This appointment, occurring one hundred days after the September 5 coup that overthrew President Alpha Condé, marked his official entry into the country's political and administrative sphere.

It is worth noting that Sylla had distinguished himself on the very day of the coup alongside the putschists in Kaloum, before interviewing Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, the new head of state. This proximity to the CNRD (National Committee for Reconciliation and Development) would be confirmed with his appointment to lead presidential communications, then by the expansion of his responsibilities when he became, in December 2022, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Audiovisual Institute, in addition to his role as Director General of the DCI.

From Communicator to Minister

March 13, 2024, marks a new stage in Moussa Moïse Sylla's political rise, with his appointment as Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Crafts in the government led by Bah Oury. This promotion demonstrates President Doumbouya's renewed confidence in one who had become one of his closest collaborators in communication matters.

During the handover ceremony with his predecessor Alpha Soumah, Sylla expressed his gratitude to the head of state and called for "a synergy of actions to fully deserve the confidence of the Head of State and to restore the cultural, tourism, and craft sectors to their rightful place."

Ministerial Achievements and Vision

Since taking office, Moussa Moïse Sylla has multiplied initiatives to revitalize the sectors under his responsibility. Among his notable actions is the termination of the renovation contract for the Grand Hôtel de l'Indépendance "NOVOTEL," due to the lack of concrete progress in the work. He emphasized the strategic importance of this heritage for Guinea and committed to exploring new investment opportunities for this emblematic location.

Internationally, the minister has represented Guinea at several major events, notably in Brazzaville where he was received by President Denis Sassou N'guesso, designated Ambassador of African Crafts. He took this opportunity to highlight the Guinean experience in promoting craft products and wearing local attire, in accordance with the head of state's directives.

His mission to UNESCO in September 2024 was also significant, with the announcement of the full settlement of membership arrears that Guinea owed to the organization for 11 years, followed by an advance payment covering five additional years. This strategic decision illustrates his desire to reposition Guinea on the global cultural stage. During this meeting, he also discussed projects to rehabilitate historical sites and Guinea's candidacy to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

At the Paris Tourism Fair, he presented the Guinean government's strategy to investors, highlighting the institutional reforms carried out in the culture, tourism, and crafts sectors, as well as the country's natural and cultural potential.

Nationally, the organization of the 3rd edition of the tourism season in Dalaba in October 2024 and the launch of the International Djembe Festival in December of the same year demonstrate his commitment to promoting Guinean cultural heritage and developing tourism. During these events, he emphasized the importance of culture as an "economic and social lever" allowing Guinea to shine on the international stage.

Personal Commitment and Social Actions

Beyond his official functions, Moussa Moïse Sylla has also distinguished himself through philanthropic actions in his region of origin. In February 2025, he inaugurated a mosque he had built in his native village of Gbara, in the Mount Benna region. This initiative was part of the Fidaou organized in memory of his father, Yamoussa Sylla, who died in 2020. He had also financed the construction of two boreholes for drinking water supply, thus responding to priority needs expressed by the community.

More recently, in April 2025, acting on behalf of the President of the Republic, he orchestrated the reconciliation of the famous Guinean artist couple Azaya and Djely Kaba Bintou, a strong symbolic gesture in favor of national unity and cohesion.

A Controversial Figure

Despite his achievements, Moussa Moïse Sylla's journey is not without controversy. Some critical voices, such as Sekou Koundouno, head of strategies and planning for the FNDC, have accused him of being "versatile, inconsistent, and incoherent," suggesting that he belongs to "that category of journalists who eat at all tables" and that his investigations under Alpha Condé's regime were aimed at "intimidating officials in order to subsequently extract sums of money from them."

These criticisms, published in October 2023, question the integrity of his journalistic career and his commitment to democracy, contrasting with the image of a defender of press freedom that he had embodied during his legal troubles in 2017.

Affirmed Support for the CNRD and President Doumbouya

In his ministerial functions, Moussa Moïse Sylla has affirmed himself as a fervent supporter of the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD) and its president, General Mamadi Doumbouya. During a ceremony organized at the People's Palace on October 1, 2024, he declared: "From now on, we are in refoundation, we are not in transition," emphasizing that "refoundation consists of concrete actions led by General Mamadi Doumbouya."

In November 2024, he also mobilized the population of Télimélé for a rally in support of the president, where he warned against "ethnic discourse and divisions," reminding that "unity and diversity are essential assets for building a prosperous Guinea."

Recognition and Distinctions

In 2022, the Media category of the J Awards was named in his honor, a testament to the recognition of his impact on the Guinean media landscape and his influence in this field.

Conclusion

From committed journalist to influential minister, Moussa Moïse Sylla's journey illustrates a remarkable and singular professional trajectory in the Guinean context. His transition from the media world to the spheres of power, his management of major crises, and his diplomatic and cultural initiatives make him a leading personality in contemporary Guinea.

Today, as Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Crafts, he continues his mission with the stated aim of promoting Guinean heritage and positioning his country as a cultural and tourism destination of choice on the international stage. His personal and professional story continues to be written, at the pace of the political and social transformations that Guinea is experiencing.