Mohamed Mancona Kouyaté was an emblematic figure in Guinea's anti-colonial struggle and a loyal senior official of the Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG). Born in Macenta, he left a significant mark on the country's political history through his commitments and administrative responsibilities.
After completing his primary education in Macenta and N'Zérékoré, Mohamed Mancona Kouyaté attended the Camille Guy High School in Conakry, followed by the William Ponty School in Senegal (1942-1945). This prestigious training opened doors for him in the colonial administration, where he served for seven years at the general government of French West Africa (AOF).
In 1946, he joined the Senegalese Democratic Union (UDS-RDA), before becoming a member of the Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG) in 1952. This made him a key player in Guinea's independence movement.
As the first Guinean commander of the Koyama administrative post (Macenta), he was appointed regional governor after Guinea's independence in 1958. For 16 years (1958-1974), he successively administered Kissidougou, Faranah, Pita, Kindia, Mamou, and Dalaba.
From 1975 to 1979, Mohamed Mancona Kouyaté served as Guinea's ambassador to Yugoslavia, before becoming Chief of Staff at the Ministry of State Control until his retirement in 1985.
A companion of independence, he received several distinctions, including the Labor Honor Medal, the title of Knight of the National Order of Merit of Guinea, the Cross of the Order of Merit of Egypt, and the honorary citizenship diploma of Sioux City (United States).
In 1996, he published We Are All Responsible, where he defended Sékou Touré's regime while acknowledging certain mistakes.
Mohamed Mancona Kouyaté passed away on September 13, 1998, in Conakry, leaving behind a major political and administrative legacy.
