Rachid Ndiaye is a Guinean politician who first had a remarkable twenty-year career in international journalism in Paris. With a postgraduate degree in political science from the Sorbonne and training from the French Center for Journalism, he established himself as a consultant for several major media outlets (CFI, RFI, TV5, France 24) before creating the international African magazine Matalana in 2007. Multilingual and a specialist in African political affairs, he returned to Guinea in 2010 when Alpha Condé came to power, with whom he had maintained close ties for two decades.
He then successively held the positions of special advisor to the president (2011), Minister of Communication (until 2018), and later Minister of State and special advisor to Alpha Condé. Known for his discreet style and reserved personality, sometimes criticized for his lack of charisma, he particularly distinguished himself through his intellectual approach to politics and his defense of government policies, notably during the controversial constitutional referendum of 2020.
Introduction
Rachid Ndiaye is a prominent figure in Guinean politics who made a remarkable transition from international journalism to national politics. His journey illustrates the path of a cosmopolitan intellectual who returned to serve his native country, notably as Minister of Communication and special advisor to President Alpha Condé.
Education and Training
Born in the 1960s, Rachid Ndiaye received prestigious education in France, where he completed most of his academic studies. He holds a postgraduate degree from the Political Science Department of the renowned Sorbonne University in Paris. His academic training was further enhanced by studies at the French Center for Journalism in Paris, establishing solid foundations for his future career in international media.
This excellence in education enabled him to develop particular expertise in analyzing African political issues while acquiring an international perspective on contemporary challenges. His mastery of multiple languages, including Lingala, demonstrates his deep immersion in African cultures.
Professional Career
For nearly two decades, Rachid Ndiaye built a solid reputation in international journalism in Paris. He collaborated with several major international magazines and established himself as a sought-after consultant for reference media outlets such as CFI, RFI, TV5, and France 24. His coverage of major political events across the African continent, from West Africa to Southern Africa, allowed him to develop sharp expertise in African political issues.
In 2007, he took a new step by creating the international African magazine Matalana in Paris, confirming his commitment to quality information about the African continent. His journalistic career enabled him to interview numerous African presidents and cover the main crises that shook the continent.
The Guinean public truly discovered Rachid Ndiaye in 1999 during his coverage of the trial between Professor Alpha Condé and the Guinean state. This media coverage marked the beginning of a lasting relationship with the future president of Guinea.
Rachid Ndiaye's return to Guinea in 2010 coincided with Alpha Condé's rise to power, whom he had remained close to for two decades. His transition to politics happened quickly: he was first appointed as special advisor to the president in 2011, then as minister-counselor in charge of communication and prospective issues.
Political Career
His appointment as Minister of Communication marked a new stage in his career. In this role, Rachid Ndiaye distinguished himself with a particular style, favoring discretion over media overexposure. This approach would earn him criticism, with some considering him one of the least charismatic ministers in the government.
His tenure was marked by several controversies, notably in 2016 when he refused to respond to a National Assembly summons for budget examination, provoking outrage among deputies. He also sparked controversy by accusing private radio journalists of reprehensible behavior, stating that "in any other country, they would go to prison."
In 2018, during an interview on TV5MONDE, he stirred controversy by accusing the opposition of using "armed groups" during demonstrations, statements that drew sharp reactions from the opposition demanding evidence.
After leaving the Ministry of Communication in May 2018, Rachid Ndiaye was appointed Minister of State, special advisor to President Alpha Condé. In this role, he became one of the main defenders of presidential policy, particularly during the controversial 2020 constitutional referendum and Alpha Condé's bid for a third term.
In his public interventions as special advisor, he highlighted the government's achievements, particularly in economic and democratic matters. He especially defended Alpha Condé's record on political pluralism, freedom of expression, and economic development.
Personal Life
Naturally discreet, Rachid Ndiaye maintains a certain distance from the media regarding his private life. Passionate about literature and modern art, he is distinguished by his intellectual approach to politics and his cosmopolitan worldview. His calm and reserved personality contrasts with the traditional image of Guinean politicians, which has earned him both criticism and praise.
Conclusion
Rachid Ndiaye's journey illustrates a unique trajectory in the Guinean political landscape: that of an internationally trained intellectual who put his expertise at the service of his country. His discreet style and sometimes controversial approach to government communication marked his tenure at the Ministry of Communication. As special advisor to President Alpha Condé, he continued to play an important role in defining and defending government policy while remaining true to his reputation as a reserved man who preferred to "speak usefully" rather than "speak for the sake of speaking."
His career reflects the complexities and challenges of governance in Guinea, between democratic modernization and persistent political tensions. He represents a generation of African intellectuals who, after an international career, chose to put their expertise at the service of their home country's development.
