Former Guinean Prime Minister Sidya Touré, who passed away in Paris on September 25 at the age of 81, will not be buried in his home country. His family has decided that he will be laid to rest in Côte d'Ivoire, where he had been living in exile. According to a communiqué released by the Prime Minister's office on September 26, Touré died in France after a prolonged illness.
The Guinean government paid tribute to Touré, describing him as a statesman and a prominent figure in the country's politics. The Prime Minister's office expressed its deepest condolences to his family, close relatives, and colleagues. Touré served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999 and was also the president of the dissolved Union of Republican Forces.
The family of the deceased announced that Touré would be buried in Côte d'Ivoire, citing that his entire family resides there. A source close to the family revealed that Touré had strong personal relationships with Ivoirian authorities, particularly with his brother, Alassane Ouattara, the President of Côte d'Ivoire, with whom he shared 51 years of friendship.
Following Touré's death, numerous tributes and condolences poured in from various quarters. Former President Alpha Condé, who is currently in exile, expressed his deep sadness and emotion upon learning of Touré's passing. Condé acknowledged that while their political paths had diverged over the years, he had always respected Touré as a statesman, a dedicated public servant, and a man of conviction.
Alpha Condé recalled that despite their differences, he and Touré had put the interests of Guinea above their personal disagreements. Condé praised Touré's loyalty, dignity, and sense of responsibility during his tenure as High Representative of the Head of State. He expressed regret that Touré had spent his final years in exile, away from the country he had dedicated his life to serving.
Dansa Kourouma, the President of the National Assembly, also paid tribute to Touré, describing him as one of Guinea's former servants who had left a lasting mark on the country's public life. Touré had served as president of the Union of Republican Forces, a deputy, and a former Prime Minister. His residence in Guinea had been confiscated by the state in 2022.
As of the latest reports, no date has been announced for the repatriation of Touré's body or his burial in Côte d'Ivoire. The family and Ivoirian authorities are expected to make further announcements regarding the funeral arrangements. Sidya Touré's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across Guinea and beyond.
Key points
- Sidya Touré will be buried in Côte d'Ivoire.
- Touré died in Paris on September 25 at the age of 81.
- The Guinean government paid tribute to Touré, describing him as a statesman.
