In Guinea's socio-political landscape, a dangerous confusion persists between two fundamentally different concepts: true generosity and financial mismanagement disguised as acts of charity. This ambiguity, deeply rooted in the country’s political culture, deserves a thorough analysis, particularly in light of the practices observed under the current administration.
Guinean society, like many African societies, traditionally values sharing and generosity. These values, noble and authentic in their essence, have gradually transformed into a perverse system where the redistribution of public resources is perceived as a demonstration of personal greatness by leaders.
This mistaken perception stems from a fundamental confusion: the inability to distinguish between personal resources and public assets. When a leader draws from state coffers to "reward" supporters or "support" certain groups, these acts are often celebrated as expressions of generosity, whereas they are, in reality, misappropriations of public funds.
The administration of the CNRD (National Committee for Rally and Development) perfectly illustrates this issue. Since the CNRD took power, there has been a troubling continuity in these practices of so-called "generosity," raising serious concerns about the management of public resources. Donations, financial support to communities, or assistance to support groups—although presented as charitable acts—often come from public funds without an appropriate legal framework.
This approach presents several major issues:
The Distortion of Public Service: The primary function of the state is undermined when public resources are used as a means of personal gratification. Public services, which should be provided equitably and systematically, turn into personal favors granted by the leader.
Impact on Governance: This confusion perpetuates a vicious cycle in which leaders feel compelled to continue these practices to maintain their popularity. Strict financial management becomes secondary to the perceived need to "appear generous."
Economic Consequences: The systematic misappropriation of public funds, even when disguised as generosity, severely weakens the state’s ability to fulfill its essential missions, such as infrastructure development, healthcare services, and education.
A clear distinction must be established between:
- True generosity: The act of giving from one’s personal resources, earned through legitimate work.
- Financial mismanagement: The inappropriate use of public resources, even when the intended purpose appears noble.
To eliminate this confusion, several actions are necessary:
Civic Education: A massive civic education effort is essential to help citizens understand the difference between public and private assets. People must be made aware that state resources belong to everyone and cannot be distributed at the whim of leaders.
Institutional Strengthening: Oversight institutions must be reinforced to ensure transparent management of public resources. Every expenditure should follow a strict legal framework and be subject to rigorous monitoring.
Cultural Transformation: Social values should emphasize the proper management of public resources rather than their arbitrary distribution. Leaders should be judged on their ability to manage public assets efficiently, not on their perceived "generosity."
The confusion between generosity and financial mismanagement in Guinea is a major obstacle to the development of modern and effective governance. The current situation, illustrated by the practices observed under the CNRD administration, highlights the urgency of collective awareness.
True leadership is not measured by the ability to distribute public resources as personal favors but by the capacity to manage these resources transparently and effectively for the common good. Guinea can only move toward modern governance by firmly establishing this fundamental distinction.
This necessary transformation is profound and will take time, but it is essential for the country's future. It begins with recognizing that a leader’s true generosity lies in their ability to safeguard and grow public resources for the benefit of all, rather than distributing them arbitrarily for personal popularity.
