The city of Kissidougou in Guinea marked the 68th anniversary of its independence with a unique celebration. On September 26, 2026, citizens, local authorities, young people, organizations of civil society, and defense and security forces came together for a massive clean-up operation. The exercise, which was carried out in the early hours of the day, saw participants take to the main streets, public places, and neighborhoods of the urban commune to rid the area of debris and waste.
The clean-up exercise was a collaborative effort, with all participants working together to achieve a common goal. Armed with brooms, shovels, and other cleaning tools, they worked tirelessly to clean up several public spaces. According to the initiators of the exercise, the gesture went beyond just cleaning up the city; it was a demonstration of the collective will to make cleanliness and civic responsibility an integral part of the independence celebration.
The mayor of the urban commune of Kissidougou, Marie Louise Kona Sidibé, commended the initiative, describing it as "necessary and symbolic." She noted that celebrating independence by cleaning up the city showed that the people were ready to take charge of their destiny. Sidibé added that freedom was not just about political independence but also about discipline and respect for the environment.
The defense and security forces also played a significant role in the clean-up exercise. The commander of the Kissidougou military camp, Lieutenant Colonel Malal Diallo, explained that the participation of his men was a demonstration of the army's commitment to the people. He noted that while their weapons were used to protect the nation, their hands were used to beautify it.
The youth of Kissidougou were also actively involved in the clean-up exercise. Ansoumane Kourouma, a representative of the youth, noted that the exercise was a way for the new generation to move from rhetoric to action. He emphasized that cleaning up the city was not just about physical cleanliness but also about preparing a healthy environment for future generations.
The clean-up exercise was carried out under the theme "Drawing inspiration from the past to build the future." Kourouma noted that the theme was being translated into concrete action through civic engagement. He added that while their parents had fought for political independence, it was up to the youth to work towards economic and social independence through hard work and citizenship.
The clean-up exercise was a huge success, with several public spaces and roads in Kissidougou being cleaned up. The participants were optimistic that the initiative would not only improve the physical environment but also promote a sense of collective responsibility and civic engagement.
Key points
- The citizens of Kissidougou came together to clean and beautify their city in celebration of Guinea's 68th independence anniversary.
- The initiative was a collaborative effort between citizens, local authorities, youth, and defense and security forces.
- The exercise was seen as a way to promote civic responsibility and collective action towards improving the environment.
