A complex land dispute has been ongoing for several years in Conakry's Taouyah neighborhood, pitting the Diallo family against the administrators of the Modern Schools of Guinea. At the center of the conflict is a building in the Ratoma commune, with allegations of unpaid rent, unauthorized occupation, and disagreements over contract interpretation. The dispute has led to a series of court proceedings, with each side presenting its arguments and evidence. The case has become increasingly complicated, with multiple court rulings and appeals.
The Diallo family claims that the school has accumulated significant rent arrears, estimated at approximately 27 months, totaling around three years of unpaid rent. According to Alpha Oumar Diallo, one of the heirs to the late Thierno Mamadou Diallo, the family has taken the matter to the Conakry Commercial Court, which has ruled in their favor, ordering the school to pay the outstanding amounts and vacate the premises. However, the school has appealed the decision, and the case is currently before the Court of Appeal.
The Diallo family asserts that a court-ordered conservatory measure has led to the seizure and sale of some of the school's equipment. While the measure allows the school to access the premises, Alpha Oumar Diallo emphasizes that the seized assets cannot be used. The family maintains that they are seeking the enforcement of the court's decision, while the school claims that it has been unfairly targeted.
Sylla Salif, founder of the Modern Schools of Guinea, disputes the Diallo family's account, rejecting allegations of unpaid rent and accusing them of failing to uphold their end of the agreement. According to Salif, the initial 2014 contract required significant rehabilitation work on the building, which the school undertook while agreeing to gradually amortize its investments. A key point of contention concerns an annex of the concession used as a kitchen, which the school claims was supposed to be returned to facilitate the creation of new classrooms.
The school's founder asserts that his institution has made regular payments to the Diallo family, including 15 million Guinean francs and an additional 7 million francs for another building. Salif claims that the school offered a 90 million franc advance, but the Diallo family refused to accept it. The school maintains that it has sought an amicable resolution, but the Diallo family insists that the contract's written clauses must be respected.
The dispute has taken a toll on the school's operations, with conflicting court rulings affecting its ability to function. While the Diallo family cites decisions ordering the school's closure, Salif claims that an order from the Court of Appeal's First President allows the school to continue operating. The school's administrators argue that they cannot vacate the premises mid-academic year, citing concerns about the impact on students, exams, and administrative records.
Tensions have escalated, with both sides trading accusations and allegations of aggression. Sylla Salif claims that he was physically attacked and threatened with death, vowing to pursue the matter through the penal courts. The Diallo family describes incidents involving law enforcement and reiterates their desire for the court's decisions to be enforced. As the dispute continues, both parties have expressed confidence in the Guinean judicial system, with the outcome hanging in the balance.
Key points
- The dispute centers on a building in Conakry's Taouyah neighborhood, with the Diallo family claiming the school owes significant rent arrears.
- The school's founder disputes the allegations, citing a contractual agreement and investments made in the property.
- Conflicting court rulings have complicated the case, with both sides claiming legitimacy and seeking enforcement of their respective claims.
