Naby Youssouf Kiridi Bangoura (born 1963 in Conakry) is a Guinean writer and politician. A sociologist of training with a doctorate obtained in France, he held several high-level ministerial positions under the regimes of Lansana Conté and Alpha Condé, culminating with his appointment in 2012 to the position of strategic Minister of State, Minister Secretary General of the Presidency under Condé.
Considered the right hand and chief negotiator of President Condé, Kirid has played a decisive role in several major political agreements thanks to his outstanding negotiating talents. In addition to his political career, he is also a published author with two novels at his disposal exploring socio-cultural themes of Guinea.
Introduction
Naby Youssouf Kiridi Bangoura (born 1963 in Conakry, Guinea) is a leading Guinean politician and writer. He held high-level ministerial positions under the presidencies of Lansana Conté and Alpha Condé, including that of Secretary-General of the Presidency from 2010 to 2021. Bangoura has played a key role in major political negotiations in Guinea over recent decades, demonstrating its talents as an outstanding negotiator. In addition to his political career, he is also a published author with several works at his disposal.
Education
Kiridi Bangoura grew up in Conakry where he did his primary and secondary education until 1981. That year, he left Guinea to pursue his graduate studies in France. He obtained a doctorate in sociology, a training that enabled him to acquire an in-depth understanding of social and political dynamics.
Professionnal career
After obtaining his doctorate, Bangoura returned to Guinea in 1992. He quickly climbed the ranks of public administration, occupying various ministerial positions under the regime of Lansana Conté. He was Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization from 2004 to 2006, Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training in 2006, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture from 2006 to 2007.
Political career
Kiridi Bangoura's political career took a turning point in the 2010 presidential election in Guinea. He joined Alpha Condé's Rassemblement du Peuple Guinéen (RPG) and was appointed Deputy Director of the Presidential Campaign. After Condé's victory, Bangoura was rewarded for his efforts by being appointed chief of cabinet of the presidency on 24 December 2010, with rank of minister.
In December 2011, Condé promoted Bangoura to the position of President's spokesperson, a key role in which he was responsible for communicating government positions and policies. A year later, in December 2012, Bangoura was appointed Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Presidency, a position he held until the military coup of 5 September 2021.
As Secretary-General of the Presidency, Kiridi Bangoura was regarded as the right arm of President Alpha Condé. He played a crucial role in political negotiations, often acting as the chief negotiator for the presidential camp. His humility, negotiating ability and compromise ability were widely praised, even by the opposition.
Bangoura has been at the forefront of several major political agreements, including the Comprehensive Political Agreement of 3 July 2013, which ended a prolonged electoral impasse. He has also been instrumental in resolving crises related to the 2020 parliamentary elections and the revision of the electoral record in 2012.
Published works
In addition to his political career, Kiridi Bangoura is also a published writer. He made his debut in 1991 with the publication of his novel "La Source d'Ébène" at Editions L'Harmattan Guinea. In 1997, he published a second novel entitled "The Baptism of the Puppies", also at the Editions L'Harmattan Guinea. His literary works explore Guinean social and cultural themes, testifying to his deep understanding of Guinean society.
Conclusion
Naby Youssouf Kiridi Bangoura is a political figure in Guinea. His long career in the public administration, his key role in political negotiations under the presidencies of Conté and Condé, and his outstanding talents as a negotiator have made him a major player on the Guinea political scene. Despite regime changes, Bangoura managed to adapt and remain an influential voice, enjoying the respect of its political peers.
Beyond his political career, Kiridi Bangoura is also a talented writer whose works offer a unique insight into Guinean society. His ability to navigate the turbulent waters of Guinean politics while cultivating his passion for writing testifies to the richness of his personality.
Although the events of September 5, 2021 marked a break in his political career, it is likely that Kiridi Bangoura will continue to play an important role in the political landscape of Guinea. His experience, negotiating skills and deep understanding of national dynamics make him a valuable asset in any effort to address the challenges facing Guinea.
