The French Embassy in Guinea and Guinean authorities held a ceremony on November 10, 2026, to honor Guinean soldiers who died fighting for France. The event took place at the Boulbinet cemetery in Kaloum, ahead of the 11th November 1918 armistice commemoration. Several Guinean officials and diplomatic representatives attended the ceremony to pay tribute to the soldiers who died in wars alongside French forces. The ceremony included a wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery.
The ceremony also included a donation ceremony at the General Directorate of Military Pensions and Veterans (DGPMAC). The French Embassy provided medical supplies and pharmaceutical products, while Guinean authorities donated food items. French Ambassador to Guinea and Sierra Leone, Luc Briard, announced an additional 100 million Guinean francs to support the most vulnerable veterans. This donation aims to alleviate the financial struggles of those who served in the French army.
The Director-Adjoint of Military Pensions and Veterans, Colonel Mohamed Korka Damba, highlighted the significance of the commemoration. He stated that the armistice on November 11th is not just a historical date but a symbol of peace and a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for their countries. The ceremony honored the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of soldiers who fought for higher values.
Ambassador Luc Briard reaffirmed France's commitment to honoring Guinean soldiers who fought and died for France. He mentioned the story of Abdoulaye Diallo, a 22-year-old Guinean from Pita, who was recruited into the 68th Senegalese Tirailleurs battalion and died in combat in July 1918. Briard assured that France remembers all its soldiers, regardless of their origin or the wars they fought in.
The French Embassy announced two additional donations to support veterans' structures. The first donation included medical supplies for the recently inaugurated dispensary, while the second donation consisted of office supplies for the National Office of Veterans. These donations aim to improve the living conditions of veterans and facilitate the administrative management of their files.
Bakary Mara, the oldest veteran, expressed gratitude for the cooperation between Guinea and France in improving the living conditions of veterans and their families. He requested that the French authorities pay all French pensions owed to Guinean veterans. Mara emphasized that this remains a significant wish for Guinean veterans and the National Office of Veterans.
General David Haba, representing the Minister of Defense, praised France's donations and highlighted the Guinean authorities' support, including food and school supplies for the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers. On behalf of President Mamadi Doumbouya, Haba reaffirmed Guinea's commitment to preserving the memory of its veterans and defending the values they embodied.
Key points
- France donates 100 million Guinean francs to support vulnerable veterans.
- The ceremony honors Guinean soldiers who died fighting alongside French forces.
- France provides medical supplies and office equipment to support veterans' structures.
