On October 30, 2026, the Centre international de recherche et documentation (CIRD) in Conakry, Guinea, hosted a celebration to mark the 30 years of Mouctar Bah's career at Radio France internationale (RFI) and his 38 years at the Agence France-Presse (AFP). The event brought together colleagues, friends, and family to pay tribute to Bah's remarkable journey in journalism. Abdourahmane Diallo, editor-in-chief of Radio Kaloum Stéréo (RKS) and RTG2, was among those who shared their memories of working with Bah.
Abdourahmane Diallo, who has worked alongside Bah on numerous assignments, described him as a dedicated and engaged journalist who has been at the forefront of major events in Guinea's recent history. Diallo recalled their collaboration on several significant stories, including the 2003 presidential election, which was boycotted by the opposition, and the January and February 2007 protests against the Lansana Conté regime. These experiences have not only shaped their careers but also had a lasting impact on Guinea's national and international news landscape.
One notable story that Diallo highlighted was their coverage of the Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Nafissatou Diallo affair, which drew global attention. Bah was the first journalist to visit Thiakoulé, Nafissatou's village, and introduced Diallo to her family, inspiring him to make the trip as well. This story exemplifies Bah's exceptional reporting skills and his ability to build relationships with key sources. Diallo also praised Bah's human qualities, describing him as a kind and humorous colleague with an extensive network of contacts.
The celebration, organized by Dre Safiatou Diallo, founder of CIRD, featured video messages and in-person testimonials that reflected on Bah's professional achievements and personal qualities. Guests praised his humility, availability, and sense of humor, which have earned him a reputation as a respected and beloved journalist. The event concluded with a festive atmosphere, marked by a shared cake, local juices, and traditional music performances by the Léwru Djéré troupe.
The event provided a unique opportunity for colleagues and friends to express their appreciation for Bah's contributions to journalism in Guinea. Many attendees shared stories of Bah's impact on their own careers and the broader media landscape. As a journalist with extensive experience, Bah has inspired a new generation of reporters and editors in Guinea.
In response to the tributes, Mouctar Bah expressed his gratitude and emotion, joking that he felt as though he was listening to his own eulogy. The event served as a testament to Bah's enduring legacy in journalism and his influence on the media industry in Guinea. As the country continues to evolve, Bah's dedication to fact-based reporting and storytelling remains an essential part of the national narrative.
The celebration of Mouctar Bah's career serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring journalists who have made significant contributions to their field. As the media landscape continues to shift, events like this highlight the value of experience, professionalism, and community in shaping the future of journalism in Guinea and beyond.
Key points
- - Abdourahmane Diallo praises Mouctar Bah's dedication and professionalism after 30 years at RFI and 38 years at AFP. - The celebration, organized by Dre Safiatou Diallo, brought together colleagues, friends, and family to pay tribute to Bah's remarkable journey in journalism. - Mouctar Bah's career has had a lasting impact on Guinea's national and international news landscape, inspiring a new generation of reporters and editors.
