Introduction
Elhadj Sèkhouna Soumah (1941-2024) was a prominent Guinean traditional and political leader who served as the Kountigui (supreme traditional chief) of Basse-Guinée (Lower Guinea). His influence spanned multiple political regimes in Guinea, from the colonial period through the country's various transitions of power. Known for his exceptional mediation skills and moral authority, Soumah played a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and promoting development in his region and throughout Guinea.
Enfance
Born in 1941 in Dixinn Faransserya, Tanénè Bouramayah, in the Basse-Guinée region, Sèkhouna Soumah experienced early hardship with the loss of his mother when he was young. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated remarkable responsibility by supporting his father and taking charge of his siblings' education. These early experiences of family leadership and care for others would shape his future role as a community leader.
Parcours
Soumah's leadership journey began in his youth as a local youth leader in Wassou, Dubréka. During the colonial period, he was already showing signs of the diplomatic skills that would later define his career. His political engagement started under President Ahmed Sékou Touré's regime, where a pivotal moment occurred when he boldly spoke up at a public meeting in Coyah, successfully advocating for dismissed officials to be reinstated. This interaction marked the beginning of his relationship with President Sékou Touré.
Throughout his career, Soumah held several significant positions:
- President of the Youth in Tanénè during the early years of independence
- President of the Community Rural Development (CRD) councils nationwide
- President of the Special Delegation of Tanénè
- Kountigui of Basse-Guinée (installed in 2016)
Médiateur dans les conflits
Soumah's reputation as a mediator was legendary. He successfully resolved numerous conflicts across Guinea, including a particularly challenging dispute between Dinguiraye and Kouroussa during President Lansana Conté's regime. His approach to conflict resolution was marked by courage, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to peace. He was known for his ability to speak truth to power while maintaining respect for all parties involved.
In his role as a mediator, he addressed various types of conflicts:
- Community disputes
- Political tensions
- Mining-related conflicts
- Inter-regional disagreements
- Local governance issues
Conseiller des présidents de l'indépendance au CNRD
Soumah maintained close relationships with successive Guinean presidents, serving as an advisor while maintaining his independence. His relationship with President Lansana Conté was particularly notable, with unprecedented access to the president even in private quarters. He later developed a relationship with President Alpha Condé, though he would eventually oppose Condé's bid for a third term, demonstrating his commitment to principle over political expedience.
Controverses
Despite his generally positive reputation, Soumah faced some controversies. In 2018, his authority as Kountigui was challenged when another figure, El hadj Mamoudou Soumah, was proposed as a rival Kountigui of the same region. This situation highlighted the complex nature of traditional authority in modern Guinea. Additionally, his political alignments sometimes drew criticism, particularly his shifts between supporting different political figures, though he maintained that his primary allegiance was to the welfare of Guinea and its people.
Impact et Héritage
Soumah's impact on Guinean society was profound and multifaceted:
- Development initiatives: He facilitated the construction of mosques, schools, and infrastructure in his region
- Social cohesion: His leadership promoted ethnic harmony and peaceful coexistence
- Governance: He influenced local and national governance through his advisory roles
- Moral leadership: He set an example of integrity by refusing bribes and maintaining principled positions
Vie privée
In his personal life, Soumah was known for his generosity and commitment to Islamic values. He was a devoted Muslim and regular reader of the Quran. At the time of his death, he left behind three wives and fourteen children, along with numerous grandchildren. His household was known for hosting extended family members and caring for the families of deceased friends and relatives, demonstrating his commitment to traditional African values of community and family support.
Conclusion
Elhadj Sèkhouna Soumah's passing on October 31, 2024, marked the end of an era in Guinean politics and traditional leadership. His life exemplified the possibility of bridging traditional authority with modern governance while maintaining moral integrity. His legacy lives on through the institutions he strengthened and the example he set of leadership based on principle, dialogue, and service to community. The widespread mourning at his death, particularly in his home region of Tanénè, testified to the deep impact he had on Guinean society and the void his passing created in the country's social and political landscape.
