One year after the devastating explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot in Kaloum, the residents of Coronthie continue to face dire living conditions, with many still homeless and struggling to rebuild their lives. The tragic incident on December 18, 2023, resulted in the loss of 24 lives and the destruction of over 165 homes, leaving victims to sleep under the stars for months. Despite promises from transitional authorities for rapid reconstruction, little progress has been made, leading to growing frustration among the affected families. Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré, president of the Coronthie Hydrocarbon Victims Committee, emphasizes the urgent need for a thorough inquiry into the fire’s cause, asserting that understanding the root of their suffering is essential for restoring their dignity and trust in leadership.
In Coronthie, tensions are escalating as victims of recent disasters reject government proposals for relocation and compensation. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah’s suggestion of a shared lease has been met with fierce opposition from residents, who argue it threatens their property rights. Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré, a representative of the victims, claims that the government’s approach is manipulative and dismissive, leading to protests and arrests. Despite the challenges, many victims are persistent to rebuild their homes, with only two of the 55 most affected concessions yet to start reconstruction. The lack of openness regarding donations and aid has further fueled distrust between the community and authorities,leaving the situation unresolved as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.In Coronthie, a year after a devastating explosion that led to an inquiry into arson and related crimes, victims are expressing frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. Despite the initial promise of a thorough inquiry led by then-Minister of Justice Alphonse Charles Wright, victims report that they have not been contacted by investigators, and the case appears to have stalled amid political distractions. The Attorney General has declined to comment, leaving many feeling abandoned as they face pressure to vacate their valuable properties for inadequate compensation. The community remains in limbo, demanding accountability and justice for the tragedy that has deeply affected their lives.A tragic stampede during a football match in Nzerekore, guinea, has left a devastating impact, with human rights groups estimating the death toll to be as high as 135, significantly more than the official count of 56. The incident occurred as rival fans clashed, leading to chaos in the crowded stadium. In the aftermath, families are mourning their losses, and a memorial ceremony is planned to honor the victims. Simultaneously occurring, the government is facing criticism for its handling of the situation, as it together promotes a football tournament in Kaloum, raising concerns about prioritizing public relations over genuine support for those affected by the tragedy [1[1[1[1][2[2[2[2].
Interview: Editor of Time.news and Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré, President of the Coronthie Hydrocarbon Victims Committee
Time.news Editor: One year has passed since the tragic explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot in Kaloum, resulting in substantial loss and displacement for the residents of Coronthie.Can you shed light on the current living conditions for these individuals?
Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré: The situation remains dire. Many families are still homeless, with some forced to sleep under the stars for months. The explosion on December 18, 2023, took 24 lives and destroyed over 165 homes. Despite commitments from transitional authorities for swift reconstruction, little has changed. This has led to growing frustration and desperation among the victims.
Time.news Editor: It seems that the promises of aid and reconstruction have not materialized. How do you perceive the government’s response to this disaster?
Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré: The government’s response has been disappointing. There have been proposals for relocation and compensation, like Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah’s suggestion of a shared lease, but these have been fiercely rejected by the residents. We believe these measures are manipulative and threaten our property rights. The lack of clarity regarding donations and aid has only deepened our mistrust in the authorities.
Time.news Editor: The push for a thorough inquiry into the cause of the explosion seems critical. What steps are being taken to ensure accountability?
Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré: We have been advocating for a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause and its management. Initially, the then-minister of Justice promised a thorough inquiry, but victims have reported being sidelined and uninformed about the investigation’s progress. The case appears stalled, largely ignored amid political distractions. This lack of interaction leaves us feeling abandoned and powerless.
Time.news Editor: Besides the explosion, there have been more recent tragedies, such as the stampede during the football match in Nzerekore. How do these events impact the local community’s stability?
Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré: The stampede has compounded our sense of insecurity and grief. With human rights groups estimating the death toll to be as high as 135, families are mourning their losses while the government appears more focused on public relations. This has created a landscape of distrust, as we witness authorities neglecting their duty to support the grieving while promoting sporting events.
Time.news Editor: Looking forward, what do you think is necessary for the community to rebuild and heal?
Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré: A genuine commitment from the government to provide assistance for rebuilding and sincere engagement with the victims is crucial. We need clear communication, fair compensation, and a restoration of our property rights.Also, understanding the root causes of these tragedies through proper investigations is essential for accountability and trust. Only then can we truly begin to heal and rebuild our lives.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Mamoudou. It’s clear that the journey to recovery for the residents of Coronthie is fraught with challenges. we hope for a resolution that honors the memories of those lost and restores dignity to the community.
Mamoudou Cifo Ketouré: Thank you for giving voice to our struggle.Awareness is the first step toward change.