Former director general of the Guinean Office of Public Advertising (OGP), Mandian Sidibé, appeared before the Chamber of Judgment of the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Infractions (CRIEF) on October 30, 2026. He denied allegations of corruption, embezzlement of public funds, and abuse of power. Sidibé, who was dismissed on December 14, 2024, claimed he had not fired any workers during his tenure at OGP.
Instead, Sidibé stated that he had reinstated employees who had been previously fired, recruited new staff, and increased salaries. He alleged that certain members of the OGP's board of directors had pressured him to make unauthorized recruitments. Sidibé claimed that despite the board's public declaration that recruitment was prohibited, some members, including Thierno Mamadou, had privately instructed him to make new hires.
Sidibé also addressed allegations of unpaid salaries, which he claimed had accumulated to six months. He disputed this, stating that the OGP typically experienced a "dead period" during the months of August, September, and October, when there were no advertising panels, and therefore, no revenue. He claimed that arrears under his management had never exceeded two to three months and that he had been unfairly targeted for dismissal.
The CRIEF court has been investigating Sidibé's actions during his tenure at OGP. The case has garnered significant attention in Guinea, with many following the developments. Sidibé's testimony is seen as a crucial part of the trial, as it provides insight into the management practices at OGP during his time.
Sidibé's defense strategy focuses on denying any wrongdoing and shifting the blame to other parties. He claimed that certain individuals had deliberately sought to force him out of his position at OGP. The former director general expressed frustration that he had not been granted advances by mobile phone companies, which he believed had contributed to the salary arrears.
The case against Sidibé includes allegations of corruption, embezzlement of public funds, and abuse of power. If convicted, he could face severe penalties. The trial is ongoing, with the court hearing testimonies from various witnesses. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for the management of public institutions in Guinea.
The Guinean government has taken steps to address corruption and mismanagement in public institutions. The establishment of CRIEF is part of these efforts, aimed at holding individuals accountable for economic and financial crimes. The trial of Mandian Sidibé will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future cases.
Key points
- Mandian Sidibé denies allegations of corruption and mismanagement during his tenure at OGP.
- Sidibé claims he was pressured by certain board members to make unauthorized recruitments.
- The trial's outcome may have significant implications for the management of public institutions in Guinea.
