Makalé Camara (born 1956 in Mamou) is a leading Guinean politician. A trained lawyer, she has held senior positions in the administration and government of Guinea for several decades.
Former Ambassador, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2015 to 2017, and Secretary General of the Network of African Women Ministers and Parliamentarians, she is a respected figure committed to promoting political dialogue, social peace and women's rights.
In 2020, Makalé Camara took a new direction by officially entering politics, creating the Front for the National Alliance (FAN) party, which she chairs, and running for the first time in the Guinea presidential election.
Introduction
Makalé Camara is an emblematic political figure in Guinea. Born in 1956 in Mamou, this trained lawyer has marked the political landscape of Guinea with her rich and diverse career in the service of her country. An experienced diplomat, former minister and now leader of the political party Front for the National Alliance (FAN), Makalé Camara is a committed personality who has devoted her career to the promotion of dialogue, social peace and the emancipation of women.
Éducation
Originally from the Mamou region, known for being a cultural crossroads in Central Guinea, Makalé Camara has a solid legal education. After obtaining a master's degree in labour law from Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry in 1980, she continued her academic career specializing in international relations and development management. In 1984, she completed a one-year training at the American University of Washington as a Humphrey fellow.
Parcours professionnel
As early as 1980, Makalé Camara began a rich career in the Guinean public service. She has held various positions, including as Assistant Attorney General of the Ministry of Justice, Head of Division of the Department of Labour and Public Service, and National Director of the Public Service Seminar, a training centre.
From 1986 to 1991, she was appointed Inspector General of Labour, responsible for adapting labour legislation to the economic and social changes in Guinea in the context of liberalism.
Diplomate
Makale Camara's career took a diplomatic turn in 2002 when she was appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to Senegal, Gambia, Cape Verde and Mauritania. After a five-year term, she was transferred in 2007 as Ambassador to France, Spain, Portugal and Monaco. During this period, she also represented Guinea to UNESCO, the International Organization of Francophonie and the International Office of Education. (BIE).
Ministre
Makale Camara also held key ministerial positions in the government of Guinea. In 1992, she was appointed Secretary of State for Social Affairs, Women's Promotion and Childhood. Two years later, in 1994, she was promoted to the rank of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Forests.
Her political experience was enriched during her tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Guineans from 2015 to 2017, under the chairmanship of Alpha Condé.
Engagement politique
Although on the Guinean political scene since the 1990s, Makalé Camara officially entered politics in 2020 by creating the Front for the National Alliance party. (FAN). That same year, she competed for the first time in a presidential election, thus marking her entry into the electoral arena.
Her political commitment is strongly linked to her desire to promote dialogue and social peace in Guinea. In 2015, she created the Movement of Women and Youth of Guinea for Peace (FEMJEUGUIP) with the aim of facilitating dialogue between political actors on the electoral calendar.
Plaidoyer
In addition to her official duties, Makalé Camara has been committed to the defence of women's rights and the promotion of gender equality. She served as Secretary-General of the African Women Ministers and Parliamentarians Network (REFAMP) in Guinea from 2012 to 2015, giving a voice to women involved in political and parliamentary life.
At the national level, Makalé Camara is a member of the Steering Committee on Female Genital Mutilation, demonstrating her commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of women and girls.
Prix et distinctions
In recognition of her achievements and dedication to public service, Makalé Camara received several awards. In July 2008, she was awarded the National Order of Merit, one of the highest honorary honours in Guinea.
Conclusion
Makale Camara's journey demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the development of Guinea, the promotion of dialogue and the empowerment of women. With her rich and diverse professional background, ranging from diplomacy to politics to public service, she embodies a respected and influential figure on the national stage.
Today, at the head of the Front for the National Alliance party, Makalé Camara continues her struggle for the establishment of a peaceful and inclusive political climate in Guinea. Her inspiring journey is indeed a model for future generations of African women leaders, determined to make their voices heard and contribute to the progress of their country.
