Cellou Dalein Diallo, a prominent Guinean politician, has expressed his deep sadness and emotion upon learning of the passing of Sidya Touré, a former Prime Minister and president of the Union of Republican Forces (UFR). Touré died on September 25, 2026, in Paris. Diallo described Touré as a valuable son of Guinea who was forced into exile and expropriated.
Diallo highlighted Touré's exceptional career as a statesman, technocrat, and competent leader who played a crucial role in Guinea's economic growth and development. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Touré enabled Guinea to re-engage with international institutions, including the Bretton Woods institutions, and implemented significant reforms. He also tackled the country's electricity challenges and relaunched economic growth.
Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Touré collaborated in the government after the 1996 events. Diallo recalled their joint missions abroad, including visits to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the European Development Fund (FED). As a minister, Diallo worked alongside Touré and accompanied him on several foreign missions to promote Guinea's interests and encourage investment.
Diallo and Touré shared a long history of political collaboration, with similar ideological views and membership in the Liberal International. They formed an alliance during the 2010 presidential election and worked together to promote liberal values in Guinea. Their partnership extended to the creation of the Collective of Political Parties, which later became the Republican Opposition.
Diallo reflected on the similarities in their political journeys, including facing harassment, spoliation, and exile. Both leaders were eventually forced into exile in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Diallo described Touré as a close friend, companion, and fellow fighter who shared strong convictions and a deep attachment to Guinea.
Cellou Dalein Diallo stated that his dream, shared with Touré, was to transform Guinea into a prosperous economy governed by democratic principles and good governance. Diallo expressed his condolences to Touré's family, close friends, UFR members, and the Guinean and Ivoirian people.
The passing of Sidya Touré has sparked an outpouring of tributes from Guinea's political class. Cellou Dalein Diallo's reaction is a testament to the impact Touré had on his peers and the country. Touré's legacy as a statesman and technocrat will be remembered for his contributions to Guinea's development.
Key points
- Cellou Dalein Diallo pays tribute to Sidya Touré, describing him as a valuable son of Guinea.
- Touré played a crucial role in Guinea's economic growth and development during his tenure as Prime Minister.
- Diallo and Touré shared a long history of political collaboration and similar ideological views.
