Facinet Touré (1934-2021) was one of the central players in the military coup d'état of 3 April 1984 in Guinea, which ended the autocratic regime of Ahmed Sékou Touré. A former officer of the French colonial army, this son of Mamou was one of the first recruits of the Guinean army after independence. A founding member of the junta of the Military Committee for National Recovery (CMRN), it was his now famous voice that announced on the radio the military's seizure of power.
Close to the new president, Lansana Conté, Facinet Touré held strategic positions as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Transport in the early years of the regime, before taking his distance. This key man of April 1984 then pursued a turbulent political journey, turning to turn opposing, mediator of the Republic under Alpha Condé, before sinking into isolation the last years of his life.
Introduction
Facinet Touré will remain engraved in the contemporary history of Guinea as one of the main artisans of the military coup d'état of 3 April 1984, which ended the autocratic regime of Ahmed Sékou Touré. Born on 11 June 1934 in Mamou, this former officer of the French colonial army experienced an unusual fate, sailing between the highest spheres of power and periods of disgrace. Trace the turning-back journey of this man who marked the minds of the Guineans.
Training
Facinet Touré was one of the first recruits in the Guinean army, which was created on 1 November 1958, after the country's independence. Prior to 1984, he served as a trainer at the military school of Manèyah, in the prefecture of Coyah, after an initial training in the French colonial army.
Military career
It was in 1984, when he was captain, that Facinet Touré truly entered history. He was one of the founding members of the Military Committee for National Recovery (CMRN), the military junta that took power by force on 3 April of that year. It was his serious and assured voice that read on the radio the communiqués announcing the military's seizure of power, to the point that many Guineans believed him to be the leader of the coupists before the official list of members of the CMRN was published a few days later.
Role in CMRN
Despite not being the official leader of the junta, Facinet Touré held strategic functions within the CMRN and the new government formed on April 5, 1984. His proximity to President-designate Lansana Conté gave him considerable influence during the early years of the new regime, between 1984 and 1985.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
After the coup d'état, Facinet Touré was several times appointed minister in the successive governments of Lansana Conté. He first occupies the Foreign Affairs portfolio, a key position that demonstrates the confidence placed in him by the new power.
Minister of Justice
Facinet Touré was then appointed Minister of Justice, another department in Regalia where his competences were used in the establishment of the new legal order wanted by the CMRN.
Minister of Transport and Public Worksublics
General Touré is also in charge of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, a key sector for the country's economic development. During his tenure, he performed a work mission in Oslo in 1988-1989 with many executives from both departments.
Resident Minister in N'Zérékoré
Facinet Touré is also appointed Minister resident in N'Zérékoré, the capital of Forest Guinea, testifying to his ability to represent the central power in this strategic region.
Mediator of the Republic
From 1998 to 2011, Facinet Touré served as Secretary General of the Grand Chancellery of the National Order of Merit at the Presidency. Then, from 2011 to 2013, he was appointed Ombudsman of the Republic by President Alpha Condé, whose candidacy he supported in 2010. A highly symbolic post that sealed the reconciliation between the two men after their differences with Lansana Conté.
Ranks
In the course of his long military and political career, Facinet Touré achieved the high rank of general, one of the highest in the Guinean army for this son of a sub-officer of the colonial army.
Death
After a lively life at the heart of major events in Guinea, General Facinet Touré passed away on June 14, 2021 in Conakry, at the venerable age of 87. His national funeral at the Camayenne cemetery three days later gives a final tribute to this must-see of contemporary Guinea's history.
Conclusion
Out-of-the-line path De Facinet Touré alone summarizes the turmoil that shook Guinea after its independence. This man experienced the summits of power as the central actor of the 1984 coup, before going through periods of disgrace, opposition and then reconciliation with the various successive regimes. His ability to reinvent himself and his dedication have enabled him to stand beside the great ones of this world for more than 50 years. An indispensable and controversial figure in contemporary Guinea's history, Facinet Touré will remain a privileged witness to the surprises of a country in search of political stability. Its name remains associated with the coup d'état of 1984, a major turning point in the history of independent Guinea.
