Guinea is a country that has experienced many political upheavals in recent years. Since the military junta took power in 2020, the country has been affected by deep divisions between the ruling junta and the youth of Hamdallaye, a district symbol of the protest. This situation demonstrates the bitter failure of reconciliation between the two parties.
From the start of the transition, the head of the junta, Mamadi Doumbouya, tried to ease tensions with the residents of the Le Prince route, where the Hamdallaye district is located. However, these efforts were not enough to restore trust between the two sides. According to the Forces Vives de Guinée, an opposition coalition, more than thirty people were killed in this region during demonstrations, mainly by bullets. Hamdallaye is the most affected district, with a third of the victims recorded.
Faced with this alarming situation, it is necessary to understand the deep reasons for this divide between the junta and the youth of Hamdallaye. Several factors come into play. First, there is a deep distrust of the military in power, due to past abuses of power and human rights violations. This distrust is reinforced by the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrations by security forces.
Then there is a generational divide. The youth of Hamdallaye represent an educated generation, connected to the internet and committed to political change. They aspire to true democracy and demand profound reforms of the political system in place. However, the ruling junta appears to be resisting these demands, increasing tensions between the two sides.
Finally, the economic question is also at the heart of the problems. Hamdallaye is a disadvantaged neighborhood, where living conditions are difficult. Residents are demanding concrete measures to improve their living conditions, particularly in terms of employment, education and access to health care. However, these demands also appear to be ignored by the ruling junta, fueling popular frustration and discontent.
The failure of reconciliation between the junta and the youth of Hamdallaye suggests the scale of the challenges facing the country. It is essential that concrete measures are taken to respond to the legitimate demands of the population and to restore a climate of trust between the different parties. Without this, the situation risks deteriorating further and dragging the country into a spiral of violence and instability.
It is therefore essential that Guinean leaders take into account the aspirations of youth and actively work towards lasting and inclusive reconciliation.. This requires political reforms but also economic and social measures to improve the living conditions of residents. Only a global and concerted approach can prevent a further escalation of violence and make Guinea a more just and prosperous country for all.