Diakaria Koulibaly is a Guinean politician who has marked the minds in recent years. Originally from the Mandiana prefecture in the Kankan region, this trained economist has climbed the ladder to become one of the most influential ministers in the Alpha Condé government. Nominated Minister of Hydrocarbons in May 2018, a brand-new department created within the Guinean executive, Koulibaly was tasked with driving the country's oil policy, a strategic sector for the national economy.
Previously, Diakaria Koulibaly has held various positions in the Guinea administration related to the oil sector, including the local subsidiary of the Total Group. His transition to the head of the National Oil Agency (ONAP) from 2016 to 2018 allowed him to make a name and undertake major reforms, such as the refinement of the oil bidding process. However, in 2022, he was arrested and imprisoned as part of a large anti-corruption operation, provoking the indignation of his supporters in Mandiana. Although released on bail, his forthcoming trial remains much awaited in Guinea.
Introduction
Diakaria Koulibaly is a name that has recently made big headlines in Guinea. This man, from Mandiana Prefecture, has climbed the ladder to become one of the most influential ministers in President Alpha Condé's government. His professional and political career is both inspiring and controversial, making him an emblematic figure in the contemporary Guinea scene.
Education
Born on December 11, 1976 in Dialakoro, Mandiana Prefecture, Diakaria Koulibaly grew up in a modest family. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in studies, which led him to obtain a Master's Degree in Economics-Finance from Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry in 1998.
Professionnal career
After graduating, Diakaria Koulibaly began her professional career in June 1999 as a Management Controller at the Guinea Electricity Company (SOGEL), now known as Electricity of Guinea. (EDG). This first experience enabled him to acquire a solid understanding of the Guinea energy sector.
In October 2001, he joined Total-Guinea, a subsidiary of the French oil group Total, as general accounting manager. His outstanding performance in this position earned him the confidence of his superiors, who appointed him as Managing Controller in October 2006, a position he held until January 2011.
During his stay at Total-Guinea, Diakaria Koulibaly demonstrated remarkable talent, which earned him free shares in the Total Group in 2008 and 2009, in recognition of his contribution to the development of the company.
Political career
After a brief break in his career, Diakaria Koulibaly was summoned in March 2014 by President Alpha Condé to occupy the post of advisor to the Minister of Commerce, in charge of the oil sector. His wise advice and rapid reforms in this area led to his appointment in July 2014 to the position of National Director of Petroleum Products and Derivatives (DNPPD) in the same department.
In August 2015, the government established the National Oil Agency (ONAP), a structure to manage the up and down of the oil sector in Guinea. Diakaria Koulibaly was appointed Director General of ONAP in January 2016, a position that conferred on him numerous responsibilities, including the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guinea Petroleum Company (GPS), the Committee on Oil Operations (COPO), the Oil Products Import Committee and the Joint Committee for the Development of Fuel Price Structures.
Minister
On 26 May 2018, Diakaria Koulibaly made a major milestone in her career by being appointed Minister of Hydrocarbons, a new department created within the government of Guinea. This appointment was seen as a reward for his hard work and achievements in the oil sector, including:
- The realization of the oil drilling FATALA in partnership with Hyperdynamic and Sapetro.
- Conducting a 2D seismic acquisition campaign with partner TGS to assess the hydrocarbon potential of Guinea.
- The feasibility study for the construction of a oil reservoir to replace that of the GSP in the Conakry agglomeration.
- The signing of agreements in the areas of training and technical and scientific cooperation with the French Institute of Petroleum (IFP), the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines of Morocco (ONHYM) and the French firm Beicip Franlab.
- The streamlining of the bidding process and allocation of the market for oil supplies to Guinea, resulting in a significant decrease in the margins of foreign suppliers.
- The stabilization of the country's fuel supply.
Arrest
Despite his accomplishments, Diakaria Koulibaly was arrested on 6 April 2022 and placed in detention at the Central House of Conakry by the Special Prosecutor of the Court for the Suppression of Economic and Financial Offences. (CRIEF). He was charged with economic offences, including unlawful earnings and money laundering.
The arrest of Diakaria Koulibaly sparked a wave of protests in her hometown of Mandiana. On 18 April 2022, citizens, mainly young people and women, demonstrated in the streets, displaying banners calling for his release. This momentum of support demonstrates the local people's attachment to their prodigy son, recognized for his humanitarian actions and patriotism towards Mandiana.
After several weeks in prison, Diakaria Koulibaly was finally released on bail on 20 April 2022. This decision relieved his supporters, who hoped for a favourable outcome for his forthcoming trial.
Private life
In addition to his busy professional and political career, Diakaria Koulibaly was a married man and father of three children. Despite his brilliant rise, he remained attached to his roots, investing in development projects in his hometown of Mandiana.
Conclusion
The journey of Diakaria Koulibaly is both fascinating and controversial. Starting from modest conditions in Mandiana, he climbed the ladder to become one of Guinea's most influential ministers. His commitment to the development of the Guinea oil sector is undeniable, but his arrest for alleged economic crimes has shaded his achievements.
In any case, Diakaria Koulibaly will remain a prominent figure in Guinea's recent history, an example of social rise and determination. His career also raises questions about governance and transparency in the management of the country's natural resources. Only the future will tell us whether Diakaria Koulibaly will succeed in apologizing for the charges against him and in continuing his work in the service of Guinea.
