Ahmed Tidiane Souaré (born 1951) is a Guinean politician. After climbing the ranks of the state administration for several decades, holding various positions of responsibility in the economic and financial fields, he was appointed Prime Minister of Guinea in May 2008 by President Lansana Conté.
Perceived as a technocrate close to the head of state, Souaré will only hold this post for a few months, his term being abruptly interrupted by the military coup of 23 December 2008 led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara. Despite his short term in office, Souaré will remain associated with this turbulent period in Guinea's history, marked by violence and political instability.
Introduction
Ahmed Tidiane Souaré is a Guinean political figure who has played a key role in the recent history of his country. Despite his brief tenure as Prime Minister in 2008, his career and involvement in the tumultuous events of that period deserve close consideration. This biography traces the significant stages of his life, from his education to his professional career, focusing on his transition to the post of Prime Minister and the dramatic circumstances of the 2008 coup d'état.
Education
Although few details are available about the childhood and academic formation of Ahmed Tidiane Souaré, it is known that he was born in 1951 in Guinea. His professional background suggests that he must have had a solid education, probably in areas such as economics, finance, or public administration.
Professional Career
Ahmed Tidiane Souaré's career in the state administration of Guinea was marked by a gradual rise over the years. In 1989, he joined the Committee to Monitor the Implementation of Economic, Financial and Administrative Reforms in the Presidency of the Republic. Subsequently, he held important positions such as coordinator of the Bureau of Monitoring, Evaluation and Control at the Presidency (1990-1994), head of office at the Department of Economic and Financial Control (1994-1996) and the Department delegated to the Prime Minister responsible for the budget and restructuring of the parapublic sector. (1996-1997).
Between 1997 and 2002, Souaré continued his career as chief of office in the Department of Economy and Finance, while holding management positions in public companies such as SOTELGUI and GUINOMAR. In 2002, he was appointed Inspector General of Finance, thus strengthening his expertise in the financial field.
Prime Minister
It was in March 2005 that Ahmed Tidiane Souaré entered the government as Minister of Mines and Geology. He cumulates this position with that of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bauxite Company of Guinea (CBG). In May 2006, he was promoted to the post of Minister of State for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which he held until March 2007.
Despite allegations of financial mismanagement made against him during a previous government audit, Ahmed Tidiane Souaré was appointed Prime Minister by President Lansana Conté on 20 May 2008. This surprising appointment was perceived as a means for the President to strengthen his power, with Souaré being seen as a technocrate close to Conté.
As soon as he took office, Souaré promised to continue the reforms undertaken by his predecessor, Lansana Kouyaté, and to reconcile the Guineans. However, his government faced a crisis as early as 26 May, when violence broke out among soldiers demanding payment of salary delays. Despite Souaré's efforts to ease the situation by promising to pay the soldiers, unrest continued, culminating in looting at Conakry on 28 May.
In this tense context, Souaré tried to form a government of national unity by incorporating opposition parties. Its government, appointed on 19 June 2008, consists of 34 ministers and two secretaries-general, with representation from various political parties. Although criticized by some for its imposing size, this government generally provokes a positive reaction.
2008 coup d'état
On December 23, 2008, President Lansana Conté died after a long illness. According to the Constitution, the President of the National Assembly, Aboubacar Somparé, was to assume the interim presidency pending the holding of a new presidential election within 60 days.
However, hours after the announcement of Conté's death, a group of soldiers led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara announced on radio the suspension of the Constitution and the dissolution of the government and state institutions. Despite Souaré's attempts to keep his government in place, the coup seemed to succeed.
After trying to resist the coup, Souaré ended up headed to Alpha Yaya Diallo's military camp on 25 December, with most members of his government. Although he expressed his willingness to serve under the Camara-led National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD), the latter replaced him with Kabine Komara on 30 December.
Conclusion
The 2008 coup marked the end of Ahmed Tidiane Souaré's brief tenure as Prime Minister of Guinea. Despite his profile as a competent technocrate and experience in state administration, his rise to power was eclipsed by the political and social turbulence that shook the country at the time.
Though his career has seen ups and downs, Ahmed Tidiane Souaré will remain in history as a key figure in this crucial period for Guinea. It illustrates the challenges faced by governments in a crisis and emphasizes the importance of political stability in ensuring the development of a country.
