The Hotel Nimba, also known as Hotel Conté, in Nzérékoré, Guinea, has been targeted by vandals during its renovation. The iconic hotel, a significant investment in the region, had its newly installed electrical cables stolen. The incident has sparked outrage in the capital of Guinea Forestière. Traces of the suspects' passage are visible, with debris and cable remnants scattered around the site.
According to Abdoulaye Diallo, the chief security guard at Hotel Nimba, the vandalism was discovered on the morning of October 2, 2026. Diallo reported that he noticed several access points were open, and upon inspection, found that many areas had been compromised. He immediately informed his superiors, who conducted an inspection to assess the damage. The stolen cables contained copper, which was likely sold for scrap.
A team comprising judicial police officers and journalists visited the site on October 7, 2026, to investigate the incident. They were accompanied by Germain Tavaguez Kolié, the mayor of Nzérékoré, who is also the financier of the renovation project. The team found that several electrical installations, which had required months of work, had been destroyed. Mayor Kolié described the incident as an act of vandalism rather than a simple theft.
The renovation project, valued at 27 billion francs Guinean, aims to restore and modernize the hotel's existing infrastructure, as well as extend the complex. The works, entrusted to a company, were initially scheduled to last one year and be completed in two phases. However, difficulties, including issues related to the concession of the port and the delivery of equipment ordered abroad, have slowed down the project.
Mayor Kolié expressed his disappointment and frustration with the vandalism, stating that the project was nearing its final stages. He noted that 62 rooms had been wired for electricity and that equipment for their amenities was being progressively delivered to the site. The mayor emphasized that the destruction was particularly disheartening, given the significant investment and effort put into the project.
The authorities have promised to investigate the incident and identify those responsible. Questions have been raised about the site's surveillance and the role of security agents in preventing the vandalism. Mayor Kolié stressed that the hotel is a regional asset and that its restoration is crucial for the development of Nzérékoré and the Forestière region.
The incident has dealt a significant blow to the project, which was already facing challenges. The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the vandalism, the extent of the damage, and the individuals involved. No one has been identified or arrested in connection with the incident so far.
Key points
- - The Hotel Nimba renovation project is valued at 27 billion francs Guinean. - Vandals stole newly installed electrical cables containing copper from the site. - The incident has raised questions about the site's surveillance and the role of security agents.
