On September 24, 2026, Abdoulaye Kourouma, president of the RRD and leader of the Alliance Patriotique parliamentary group, appeared on Télé24's GuinéeToday program. He discussed a recent protest by the opposition that took place during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Kourouma expressed concerns over the security measures in place, particularly the proximity of protesters to the Guinean head of state's accommodation.

According to Kourouma, the fact that protesters were able to get close to the president's hotel is a clear indication of a lack of anticipation and professionalism from the teams responsible for the event's organization. He stated that the intelligence services and protocol team failed to act effectively, allowing the protesters to get too close to the president's residence. Kourouma emphasized that it was the responsibility of the diplomatic representation and security services to prevent such situations.

Kourouma stressed that the protection of the nation's image should have taken priority over other considerations. He noted that protests are a common occurrence during large international events, but it is the role of advance teams to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions. The politician expressed disappointment that the alert was not taken seriously by the organizers, leading to the security breach.

The Guinean politician called on the diaspora community to respect the country's institutions and the head of state, who represents the nation's image. He expressed hope that the mistakes made during this event will serve as a lesson for future deployments. Kourouma emphasized the need for improved information gathering and coordination between the protocol and intelligence services.

Kourouma's comments highlight concerns over the preparedness and coordination of Guinean authorities during international events. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the country's diplomatic and security services in protecting the head of state's image and safety. An investigation into the incident may be necessary to determine the extent of the security lapses.

The protest in New York took place during a critical international event, with many world leaders in attendance. The incident may have implications for Guinea's international reputation and its relationships with other countries. Kourouma's criticism of the security measures has sparked a national conversation about the need for improved security protocols.

In conclusion, Abdoulaye Kourouma's comments have brought attention to the need for improved security measures during international events. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of effective coordination between diplomatic and security services to protect the nation's image and the safety of its leaders.

Key points

  • Guinean politician Abdoulaye Kourouma criticizes security lapses during opposition protest in New York.

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SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.