Former Guinea Advertising Office (OGP) director-general Mandian Sidibé appeared before the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Infractions (CRIEF) on October 30, 2026, to face charges of embezzlement, breach of trust, and corruption totaling 78 billion francs. Sidibé denied all allegations, questioning the reliability of the State Inspection General's (IGE) control report. He explained the office's financial difficulties, salary policies, and challenges during his tenure.
Sidibé attributed the OGP's financial struggles to massive recruitment during his leadership, stating that personnel numbers exceeded institutional needs. He claimed that increasing advertising rates before recruitment was necessary but not done. The former director-general emphasized that he could not have embezzled 78 billion francs, citing a cumulative total of 108 billion francs, with 52 billion francs spent on salaries due to the large workforce.
The IGE report, which led to Sidibé's prosecution, was deemed erroneous by the former director-general. He noted that a balance sheet was approved by the Court of Auditors, the Accounts Commission, and the Board of Directors. Sidibé stressed that OGP funds belonged to the state, with revenue used for salaries, operations, and deposits into state coffers.
Sidibé justified the massive recruitment at OGP as necessary for strengthening personnel and ensuring the institution's proper functioning. He also discussed salary revaluation and OGP operations, stating that he improved the institution's performance. The former director-general mentioned creating new positions in various regions to enhance coverage.
Sidibé's predecessor reportedly earned 85 million francs, while the council increased salaries to 95 million francs during an extraordinary session. The former director-general emphasized that decisions on salary increases should be attributed to the Board of Directors. He also highlighted improvements during his tenure, including the creation of new zone heads and a prefectural direction.
The CRIEF court president, Alpha Camara, adjourned the case to December 2, 2026, for further debate. Sidibé maintained that he was a victim of circumstances and accusations, having been pressured to recruit certain individuals. His term as OGP director-general ended with controversy and accusations that led to his appearance before CRIEF.
The case against Mandian Sidibé raises questions about governance and financial management in Guinea's public institutions. As the trial continues, stakeholders await further revelations on the allegations of embezzlement and corruption. The court's final decision will likely have implications for Sidibé and potentially other officials involved.
Key points
- Mandian Sidibé denies embezzling 78 billion francs during his tenure as OGP director-general.
- The former director-general attributes OGP's financial difficulties to massive recruitment and questions the IGE report's reliability.
- The CRIEF court has adjourned the case to December 2, 2026, for further debate.
