Foreign Minister leads delegation to Conakry as 17 compatriots are laid to rest after Dar-es-Salam landslide
Conakry, Guinea-Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, headed a government delegation to a national funeral ceremony in Conakry on 4 September 2026, honouring 17 Sierra Leonean nationals among 36 confirmed fatalities from the Dar-es-Salam landfill collapse. This tragedy devastated a border community nearly two weeks prior.
The funeral service was held at the Turkish Mosque in Bambéto district, followed by interment at Martyrs Cemetery. The delegation comprised Mr. Morie Lengoh Esq., Minister of Internal Affairs; Madam Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare; Hon. Alpha Kanu, Presidential Spokesperson; and Mr. John Rogers, Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency. The Guinean Authority observed the National Day of Mourning, with senior government officials and bereaved families attending.
Minister Swaray paid solemn tribute to deceased compatriots, fourteen men and three women, as confirmed by Guinea’s National Agency for Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Management Director General. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to bereaved families, expressed profound appreciation to Guinean authorities for facilitating victim identification and care provision, and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to enduring bilateral cooperation and strengthened diplomatic relations.
The Guinean government reflected on the national shock following the disaster. Local youth and state emergency services mobilised immediately, with the Head of State, Prime Minister and cabinet members present on-site supporting rescue operations.
An official confirmed a final casualty toll of thirty-six deceased as of 4 September, including a female victim who succumbed Monday and another fatality the previous day at Donka Hospital. ANGUCH, in collaboration with Conakry municipal authorities and the Governor, established two reception centres accommodating over 1,600 displaced persons. An official commended Presidential oversight and government strategic coordination throughout the emergency response.
Conakry Governor M’Mahawa Sylla equally joined in delivering her tribute to those who tragically perished in the Dar-es-Salam catastrophe, characterising the ceremony as a moment of collective mourning. She extended sincere condolences to bereaved families, the President of the Republic, and the Guinean populace, warmly welcoming the Sierra Leonean delegation for accompanying Guinea in shared sorrow, concluding with a prayer for eternal repose.
Mr. Lancei Touré, representing victims’ families, directly addressed President Mamadi Doumbouya, expressing gratitude for leadership, government support, and the Governor and Mayor’s presence during the crisis. Coffins draped in national flags lined the mosque courtyard beneath marquees as distraught relatives gathered. Following afternoon prayers, remains were conveyed for burial at Martyrs Cemetery.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah led the Guinean government delegation, with the diplomatic corps also in attendance.
Senior Correspondent:Amara Kargbo
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation