October 24, 1997-October 24, 2024, 27 years ago, the ace microphone that was Boubacar Kanté left us forever. On the occasion of the twenty-seventh anniversary of this tragic disappearance, we dedicate a pious thought to him, in order to evoke his inexhaustible memory. Cut down by death on the eve of his final return to the country, to take charge of the presidential press office. Boubacar Kanté left without having been able to accomplish everything he envisioned.
On the eve of his return to Conakry, on October 22, 1997, an Ivorian colleague spoke with Kanté, who without knowing it (alas), was going to confide his last words to a newspaper. We publish extracts from this poignant interview below.
‘’…Boubacar Kanté is leaving. This Friday October 24 he is going to Guinea. Definitely ? No doubt. After spending more than two decades in exile in Ivory Coast. He has just been appointed in Guinea to the post of director of the press office of the Presidency of the Republic. Last Wednesday, October 22, he had undoubtedly already packed his suitcase, ready for this evening’s flight. Ready to take service in Guinea, without wasting time. In his living room, we found Bouba among his friends including Yves Zogo Junior Kaloua. With them, he shared lunch…goodbye. All relaxed and dressed in a sports outfit, he displayed a certain enthusiasm when he received us.
We have just learned that you have been appointed to an important position of responsibility in Guinea? What is it about ?
Well, I was appointed by His Excellency, President Lansana Conté as director of the press office of the presidency of the Republic of Guinea. I would like to take advantage of your newspaper first of all to thank the Head of State of Guinea for this important responsibility. It’s true that I’m into sports. But I always remain within the framework of journalism which will be strongly tinged with politics.
What exactly will you take care of in Guinea?
Of the brand image of a country, and especially of managing that of the Head of State. You see it’s too much responsibility for me. I measure it at its true value and ask for the prayers of the Ivorians whose country is my adopted home, to help me succeed in this new role.
Actually the good news, how did you learn it?
It was yesterday (Tuesday October 21, 1997: Editor’s note) when I got off the plane. I was coming back from Libreville in Gabon. Around 8:30 p.m. GMT. I was at home with family and friends when a phone call from one of my sisters, crying with joy, rang from Conakry to tell me the good news. This was following a presidential decree. Then, I had the privilege of having received at the same time a certain number of phone calls and faxes, all night long, from friends and from those whom I consider here to be my children, including Yves Zogbo Junior. They were the first to show me their sympathy. And since this morning (Wednesday October 22) these calls have not stopped for me. It really touched me.
Say, Bouba, how did this nomination come about? Did you expect that at all?
No, I can say that, since his accession, President Conté has always sympathized with me. I was lucky enough to benefit from a diplomatic passport that he gave me. He never asked me for a favor. So, I don’t think I disturbed the President of the Republic. He always received me with great consideration in Guinea. Just as my family benefited from the same consideration from the head of state. Otherwise, I haven’t prepared anything. I have remained myself since my withdrawal from sports. My audience, in my country, has kept its friendship for me intact. Every time I go there, I take the microphone on the air, on the radio and on television. I explain to you here that I am intact in Guinea.
You are leaving, but what memory will you keep of the Ivorians who loved you?
I’m leaving, but I’m staying as de Gaulle said. Ivorians must know that in Guinea, they will have a friend, a relative. In the smallest villages of this country, I will wink at them. I would like to take advantage here of your newspaper which has supported me a lot – I am thinking of my friend Tonga Béni – to say thank you, big thank you to all my friends, to all those who helped me. Some will not want me to name them here, out of modesty. But I thank them very much. However, there are some extremely important people that I will mention. It’s a family category for me. I start with Mr. and Mrs. Bion. For two and a half years, they did a lot for me. Many Ivorians know the story. But when my life was in danger, I would not have arrived in Ivory Coast if I had not benefited from the visa of President Houphouët Boigny. A thousand thanks to M’Bahia Bié Kouadio, to Me Roger Ouégnin. I don’t forget Simplice Zinsou with whom I sometimes had misunderstandings and a certain number of things. But who still remains a great friend, a benefactor. Finally, I thank General Tanny. For the last five years it has been very helpful to me. When things were going well or badly, Abdoulaye Diallo always opened his door to me. I thank him very much.
Thank you everyone. I have belly recognition. I will be able to remember it. Côte d’Ivoire remains and will remain my adopted homeland.
Comments collected by Valéry KELLY
2024-10-24 08:32:00