Alhoussein Makanéra Kaké is a Guinean political figure whose career illustrates the complexity of national political life. As a former Minister of Information and Communication under Alpha Condé (2014-2015) and president of the National Front for Development (FND), he became known for his multiple political realignments: first as an opposition member for 20 years, then as a supporter of Alpha Condé, before joining the opposition with Cellou Dalein Diallo's UFDG, then returning to the RPG Rainbow Coalition, and finally supporting the CNRD military junta after the 2021 coup d'état.
Currently serving as the General Coordinator of CNRD support movements, he stands out for his ability to justify his changes in political alliances and maintain his influence despite regular criticism of "political transhumance" directed at him. This political adaptability, combined with his eloquence and experience in Guinean institutions, makes him an essential, albeit controversial, figure in the national political scene.
Introduction
Alhoussein Makanéra Kaké is a prominent Guinean political figure known for his complex journey and multiple positions across the national political landscape. As President of the National Front for Development (Front National pour le Développement, FND), he has distinguished himself through various political alliances and his roles within Guinean institutions.
Education and Early Life
Born in Boké, Alhoussein Makanéra Kaké completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown. He later pursued his academic studies at Gamal University in Conakry, where he demonstrated an early interest in public affairs.
Professional Career
Makanéra Kaké's professional path has been primarily defined by his involvement in politics and his functions within state institutions. His career reached its pinnacle when he served as Minister of Information and Communication in Saïd Fofana's government from January 20, 2014, to December 2015.
Political Journey
For nearly two decades, Makanéra Kaké was active in the Guinean opposition, particularly alongside Alpha Condé within the RPG party. These twenty years in opposition shaped his political experience and his understanding of national issues.
Following the 2010 elections, he officially joined the RPG Arc-en-ciel, Alpha Condé's party. This alliance opened doors to governmental responsibilities, culminating in his appointment as Minister of Information and Communication in 2014.
As Minister of Information and Communication (2014-2015), Makanéra Kaké became known for his strong positions and defense of government actions. However, this period was relatively brief, ending in December 2015 when Rachid Ndiaye replaced him.
In June 2016, following his removal from the government and expulsion from the RPG Arc-en-ciel for "serious misconduct," he made a major political shift by aligning himself with Cellou Dalein Diallo's UFDG. He even publicly apologized for not supporting Diallo during the 2010 elections.
In another political reversal, Makanéra Kaké returned to the RPG Arc-en-ciel fold, notably advocating for a third term for Alpha Condé in 2019. He justified this support by arguing that a "new constitution would allow for a first term."
After the 2021 coup d'état, he expressed support for the National Committee of Reconciliation and Development (CNRD) and Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya. In 2024, he was appointed General Coordinator of CNRD support movements and publicly defended Doumbouya's potential candidacy in the elections.
Criticisms and Controversies
Makanéra Kaké frequently faces criticism for his frequent political alliance changes, earning him the label of "political transhumant." He has been at the center of several controversies, including a 2023 defamation case involving Dr. Ousmane Kaba.
His positions on sensitive issues have also sparked debate, particularly his strong opposition to the anti-polygamy law in 2019, which he described as "a law that will never be applied" and "against women."
Personal Life
Though generally private about his personal life, Makanéra Kaké has publicly discussed his family situation during his interventions on polygamy, mentioning that he has a wife and several daughters. He often references his family ties with women to justify certain political positions.
Conclusion
Alhoussein Makanéra Kaké's political journey illustrates the complexity and volatility of Guinean politics. As a controversial yet influential figure, he embodies a form of political pragmatism characteristic of certain actors in the national political scene. His current role as General Coordinator of CNRD support movements marks a new chapter in a political career defined by multiple repositionings.
