Guinea: Relocation of Conakry landfill disaster victims underway

One month after the collapse of the Dar-es-Salaam landfill in Conakry, which occurred on the night of August 23, 2026, the Guinean government is organizing the relocation of nearly 2,000 victims. According to RFI, this tragedy caused the death of 36 people and led to the evacuation of the neighborhood. The displaced individuals, who have been housed in schools until now, must leave these emergency centers before the start of the school year, which is set for October 5, 2026.

To facilitate this transition, the State has provided financial aid of 21 million Guinean francs per head of household. This sum, intended for renting new housing, is being distributed in two installments by the National Agency for Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Management (ANGUCH). The agency's director, Lancei Touré, emphasized the rigor of the census conducted among tenants and owners of the demolished buildings to oversee this operation.

However, gray areas persist, raising concerns among those affected. Mouctar Bah, spokesperson for the collective 'Dar-es-Salaam is not a trash can,' expresses his fears regarding the lack of a clear distinction between tenants and owners in the disbursement of aid. For owners whose properties were destroyed, the lack of clarity regarding specific compensation for real estate assets remains a major source of uncertainty.

Beyond the financial issue, the tight schedule imposes additional pressure on families. As the school year approaches, the victims must manage to find housing and enroll their children in new schools within a very short timeframe. Managing this relocation remains a crucial logistical and social challenge for the authorities, who must now address the legitimate questions of citizens regarding compensation for the losses suffered.

Our perspective

The management of urban disasters in Africa requires total transparency and impeccable social justice for the most vulnerable citizens. The dignity of the Conakry victims rests on the recognition of their rights, whether they are tenants or owners. The State has a moral duty to guarantee equitable support to rebuild lives shattered by this tragedy, by placing national solidarity at the heart of the reconstruction.