GUINEA has taken a significant step in addressing decades of displacement by handing over land to thousands of citizens who were forcibly evicted during previous regimes. This restitution comes after a long battle for justice, with many victims waiting over 25 years for compensation.
The mass evictions occurred under two former presidents—Lansana Conté in 1998 and Alpha Condé in 2019—leading to the destruction of homes, schools, markets, and places of worship in several neighbourhoods in the capital, Conakry. More than 20,000 people were displaced during these operations, which Human Rights Watch had previously condemned for violating national laws.
At a jubilant ceremony on Saturday, victims’ associations were finally given deeds to a 258-hectare (638-acre) plot of land in Wonkifong, located 60 kilometres from Conakry. The land will be managed by the state-owned company SONAPI, which is responsible for developing the site and overseeing the rehousing of the displaced communities. Maimouna Laure Mah Barry, managing director of SONAPI, said the government is ‘taking a concrete step towards healing the wounds of the past’ for the 2,683 affected households.
This land handover follows decades of struggles by the victims to seek justice. Samba Sow, spokesperson for the victims, hailed the moment as ‘the reparation of a 26-year-old injustice for those evicted in 1998 and five years for those evicted in 2019.’ He expressed hope that this restitution marks the start of greater efforts to support those displaced, including the establishment of a compensation fund for further relief.
The demolitions, particularly those in 2019, were highly controversial. They were carried out in areas like Kaporo-Rails, Kipe 2, Dimesse, and Dar Es Salam, all part of Conakry. The government at the time justified the demolitions, claiming the land was state property needed for official buildings. However, the destruction left thousands homeless, leading to widespread outcry from human rights groups and displaced families.
Despite the positive reception of this restitution effort, there are still demands for more comprehensive reparations
The current administration, led by General Mamady Doumbouya, has committed to addressing past injustices. Doumbouya took power in a military coup in September 2021, ousting civilian president Alpha Condé. During the restitution ceremony, General Amara Camara, a junta spokesperson, affirmed the government’s dedication to ‘drying the tears of all the sons and daughters of this country.’ His remarks signalled a shift in policy, focusing on reconciliation and restitution for long-ignored grievances.
Despite the positive reception of this restitution effort, there are still demands for more comprehensive reparations. Samba Sow called on General Doumbouya’s government to set up a formal compensation fund to further assist those who lost their homes, livelihoods, and community spaces during the evictions. Such a fund would provide financial support to help rebuild lives that were upended by years of displacement and economic hardship.
This moment marks a significant victory for the displaced communities of Conakry, but it also highlights the long road to justice that many African nations face regarding land rights and forced evictions. As Guinea continues to work through its legacy of displacement and land disputes, this land restitution stands as an important step in reconciling with its past.
The government’s decision to return land is expected to pave the way for future efforts to resolve other lingering land disputes and rebuild trust with displaced communities. The process will now focus on the development of the Wonkifong site and ensuring that the affected families are provided with adequate housing and infrastructure, marking a hopeful beginning for thousands who have waited years for justice.
In addition to the land restitution, the government announced plans to launch a shared information platform to improve communication across the Sahel region, where Guinea, like many of its neighbours, continues to face complex challenges related to governance, insurgency, and economic instability. The restitution serves as part of the government’s broader efforts to foster peace and reconciliation in a country that has experienced its share of political upheaval in recent decades.
As the evictees begin to rebuild their lives on the newly allocated land, Guinea’s leadership faces the ongoing challenge of balancing state development with the rights of its citizens. This restitution is a hopeful step forward, though many will continue to watch closely to ensure that promises are fulfilled and that the people affected by these evictions are fully compensated.
