Sidya Toure, a leading opposition figure and former prime minister of Guinea, has died in Paris at the age of 81. Sources close to his family confirmed his death, which occurred on Friday. Toure had been hospitalised at the American Hospital of Paris for two weeks after falling ill in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He had been living in exile in Abidjan since leaving Guinea following the September 2021 military coup.
Toure was the leader of the Union of Republican Forces (UFR), one of Guinea's major opposition parties. However, the UFR was among 40 political parties dissolved in March as part of a crackdown on civil liberties under President Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya came to power after the 2021 coup and was subsequently elected president in December, with the UFR and other major opposition parties boycotting the vote.
Toure had a long and distinguished career in Guinean politics, serving as prime minister from July 1996 to March 1999 under President Lansana Conte. His tenure was marked by efforts to implement administrative and economic reforms, as well as strengthen Guinea's relations with international financial institutions. After leaving government, Toure became head of the UFR in 2000 and was a leading figure in the opposition.
Toure ran for president twice, in 2010 and 2015, but lost both times. He also spent part of his career in Ivory Coast, particularly in its economic and financial administration. Born in 1945 in Ivory Coast, Toure had lived in exile since the 2021 coup. His death has been met with tributes from across the political spectrum.
Cellou Dalein Diallo, leader of the UFDG opposition party, remembered Toure as a friend and companion in the struggle for Guinea. Diallo posted a statement on Facebook, saying Toure shared his dream of transforming Guinea into a prosperous economy governed by democratic principles. Former President Alpha Conde also paid tribute to Toure, saying it was regrettable that he had endured exile at the end of his life.
Current Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah described Toure as a pragmatic reformer and a prominent figure in Guinea's political life for three decades. Toure's legacy in Guinean politics is complex, with both supporters and critics acknowledging his commitment to reform and democracy. His death marks the end of an era in Guinean politics.
Toure's passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from across Guinea and beyond. His contributions to Guinean politics and his commitment to democratic principles are widely acknowledged. As Guinea continues to navigate its complex political landscape, Toure's legacy will likely continue to be felt for years to come.
Key points
- Sidya Toure, Guinea's former PM and opposition leader, has died in Paris at 81.
- Toure's death has been met with tributes from across the political spectrum in Guinea.
- Toure played a significant role in Guinean politics, serving as prime minister and leading opposition parties.
