Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah is a versatile Guinean personality who has made his mark on his country's public life through various roles. Initially an engaged journalist, founder and publication director of the Le Défi press group, he became known for his scathing criticism of Alpha Condé's regime, which earned him threats and an attempted kidnapping in May 2015. He then turned to politics by creating his own party, the New Generation for Change (NGC), becoming a fervent opponent of the third presidential term and an active militant within the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution.
His career took a major turn after the September 2021 coup, when he was appointed personal advisor to the Transition President, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, before taking on other important responsibilities such as representing the presidency within the organizing committee for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guinean Advertising Office (OGP).
Introduction
Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah is a Guinean personality with a remarkable career path, who evolved from journalism to politics, and finally became a senior advisor within the Guinean presidency. His story illustrates one man's commitment to his country through various functions and responsibilities.
Beginnings in Journalism
Before becoming a political figure, Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah first became known as an influential journalist in Guinea. He is the founder and former publication director of the media group Le Défi, which quickly established itself in the Guinean media landscape. During his career as a journalist, he distinguished himself through his critical analyses and his uncompromising view of the country's political life.
His professional rigor and commitment to press freedom earned him recognition in the media world, but also exposed him to certain dangers. On May 16, 2015, he notably escaped an attempted kidnapping. According to his own testimony, after receiving a call about an alleged fire at his newspaper's offices, he found himself facing three individuals who tried to kidnap him. This incident, which occurred in the Simbaya Gare neighborhood of Conakry, illustrates the risks faced by journalists who were critical of the regime at that time.
Political Involvement with the NGC
Alongside his activity as a journalist, Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah became involved in political life by founding his own party, the New Generation for Change (NGC). Under his leadership, this party gradually developed its presence throughout the national territory.
On October 16, 2016, he chaired a general assembly in Fria aimed at establishing his party in this prefecture, in preparation for the communal elections scheduled for February 2017. This approach demonstrated his desire to extend the influence of the NGC beyond the capital Conakry.
His political commitment was not limited to simply winning elections. Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah also demonstrated his involvement in social causes. After the eviction of residents from Kaporo-rails in February 2019, he mobilized his party to help the victims. Thanks to his initiative, nine houses were made available to the most vulnerable people within 72 hours of their eviction, with the goal of reaching thirty homes.
Opposition to the Third Term
During Alpha Condé's presidency, Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah distinguished himself as a fervent opponent of attempts to extend power. His party, the NGC, was a member of the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) as well as the Red Armband movement, two organizations that fought against a possible third term for President Alpha Condé.
He particularly made himself known for his criticisms of deputies who, according to him, were not sincere in their fight within the FNDC. He accused them of being complicit in a potential slippage of the electoral calendar in 2020, having already accepted a first extension of their mandate. For him, these deputies should have left the chamber at the end of their mandate and joined the population to denounce Alpha Condé's presidential ambitions.
Advisor to the Transition President
Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah's career took a significant turn after the coup of September 5, 2021, which overthrew Alpha Condé's regime. On December 14, 2021, he was appointed advisor to the Transition President, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya.
In his first media appearance after his appointment in January 2022, he expressed his support for the new head of state, describing Colonel Doumbouya as "a serene and measured man" whose "patriotism is beyond suspicion." According to him, in just three months, Colonel Doumbouya had managed to accomplish what the previous regime had not been able to achieve in nearly 11 years of power.
Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah notably highlighted the easing of the social climate and the end of the "divide and rule" policy which, according to him, had characterized the Alpha Condé era. He also emphasized the Transition President's willingness to improve the living and working conditions of journalists, thus demonstrating his continued attachment to the cause of the media despite his new functions.
New Responsibilities
Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah's responsibilities expanded over the months. On February 11, 2022, he was appointed as the representative of the Republic's presidency in the organizing committee of the Africa Cup of Nations (COCAN) 2025, which Guinea is preparing to host.
His notoriety and influence in the Guinean media landscape were also recognized when he was designated "Guest of Honor" at the 4th edition of the J-Awards in April 2022. This ceremony, which rewards innovative Guinean youth, entrusted him with the responsibility of presenting the Media category Prize, a recognition of his efforts for "the emergence of a responsible, free, and independent press in Guinea."
Finally, on May 9, 2022, Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guinean Advertising Office (OGP), an organization under the Ministry of Information and Communication. This appointment entrusts him with the difficult task of revitalizing this service, considered one of the few "economic lungs" of this ministry, but which has suffered from poor management for many years.
Conclusion
Elhadj Thierno Mamadou Bah's career illustrates the evolution of a committed man who, after practicing critical journalism and being involved in political opposition, now holds important positions within the Guinean state apparatus. His experience in the media and his political commitment constitute an asset for his new responsibilities with the Transition President, in a context where Guinea seeks to redefine its institutions and prepare for its future.
