Guinea's President Mamadi Doumbouya arrived back in Conakry on September 25 to a grand welcome from his supporters, after participating in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The President's plane landed at the Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport at 11:50 am, and he was greeted by a sea of supporters clad in white shirts with his image on them. The welcome was a stark contrast to the reception he received in New York, where he was heckled by opposition activists.
The President's return was marked by a massive security deployment, with soldiers and police officers securing the airport and its surroundings. Despite the impressive welcome, the President chose not to shake hands with officials, sparking speculation about his mood. The incident in New York, where he was heckled by opposition activists over human rights concerns in Guinea, may have contributed to his decision. The activists had demonstrated outside his hotel, denouncing alleged human rights abuses in Guinea.
The airport was filled with supporters who had been mobilized by buses, and they had taken over the roundabout near the airport, spilling onto the Fidel Castro highway. The supporters were eager to catch a glimpse of the President, who they see as a champion of Guinea's interests on the international stage. Many had traveled from far and wide to attend the welcome ceremony, with some, like Fanta Condé from Tombolia, expressing their pride in the President's leadership.
The President's supporters were armed with banners and placards, bearing messages such as "Guinea on the international stage" and "Mamadi Doumbouya, the good President". The atmosphere was electric, with chants and cheers erupting as the President made his way through the crowds. The President's decision to forego shaking hands with officials was seen as a snub, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of his supporters.
However, the celebrations were marred by an incident in which a soldier accidentally fired a rocket, causing panic and injuries. A fan who witnessed the incident reported that the soldier had fired the rocket by mistake, and it had exploded, causing fear and chaos. The soldier was reportedly injured, with blood on his arm and face, and was rushed to a vehicle.
The incident was not the only one to occur on that day, as an unidentified object fell on a house in Gbessia-Cité 2, injuring two people and causing damage. The object, which was not identified, exploded when it hit the house, causing a wall to collapse and prompting neighbors to flee in panic. The incident raised concerns about the safety and security of the city.
In a Facebook post, President Doumbouya expressed his gratitude and joy at the warm welcome he received, saying it was one of the most beautiful moments of his life. He praised the Guinean people for their unity and pride, and called for continued efforts to accelerate the country's socio-economic development and ensure the well-being of all citizens. The President's message was one of unity and optimism, as he sought to build on the momentum of his international debut.
Key points
- President Mamadi Doumbouya returns to Guinea to a hero's welcome after attending the 81st UN General Assembly.
- The President's return was marked by controversy, including an incident in which a soldier accidentally fired a rocket, causing panic and injuries.
- The President called for continued efforts to accelerate Guinea's socio-economic development and ensure the well-being of all citizens.
