On October 30, 2026, Mandjan Sidibé, the former director-general of Guinea's Office guinéen de publicité (OGP), appeared before the Chamber of judgment of the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et financières (CRIEF). He is accused of embezzling 78 billion francs guinéens, among other charges. Sidibé rejected all allegations, stating that the amount in question was false and that he had no knowledge of its origin.
During the hearing, Sidibé provided details about his financial benefits while leading the OGP. He stated that he received an annual salary of 95 million francs guinéens, along with 30 million francs guinéens in fuel allowance and 180 million francs guinéens for housing. He also mentioned a one-time lump-sum payment of 100 million francs guinéens in January 2022, which he claimed was later reimbursed.
Sidibé addressed the issue of massive recruitment at the OGP during his three-year tenure. He acknowledged that he faced a severe personnel shortage and was drawn into large-scale hiring. The former director-general noted that the institution's payroll increased significantly, from 600 million to 52 billion francs guinéens. He stated that some employees' salaries rose from 300,000 francs guinéens to up to 3 million francs guinéens per month by the time he left.
The accused also commented on the allegations of poor management, citing the absence of an internal regulatory framework. Sidibé claimed that the OGP never had a manual of procedures. He is facing multiple charges, including embezzlement of public funds, abuse of power, corruption, and complicity.
Sidibé disputed the amount allegedly embezzled, stating that it was "false, absolutely false." The CRIEF court will likely consider his testimony and other evidence as it determines the validity of the charges against him. The case has garnered significant attention in Guinea.
The OGP's financial management and Sidibé's actions during his tenure are under scrutiny. As a key figure in Guinea's advertising sector, his case may have implications for the country's economic governance and public financial management. Further proceedings in the case are expected to shed more light on the allegations.
Mandjan Sidibé's testimony before CRIEF marks a significant development in the case against him. The court's decision will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for similar cases in Guinea.
Key points
- Mandjan Sidibé denies embezzling 78 billion francs guinéens during his time as OGP director-general.
- Sidibé provides details on his financial benefits and the OGP's recruitment and payroll increases during his tenure.
- The CRIEF court will consider Sidibé's testimony and other evidence to determine the validity of the charges against him.
