Paynesville — Former Liberian President George Manneh Weah has extended condolences to Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya and the people of Guinea following a devastating landslide at a major landfill in the capital, Conakry, that killed at least 30 people and critically injured six others.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
The disaster occurred early Sunday, August 24, when heavy rains triggered a landslide at the Dar es Salaam landfill, a massive open-air waste dump in Conakry. The collapse buried nearby makeshift structures and destroyed several homes.
In a statement issued Tuesday, August 25, the Office of Former President Weah said he conveyed his “profound condolences” to President Doumbouya, the Guinean government and, particularly, families affected by the tragedy.
Weah also wished those injured a speedy recovery, saying he shared in the grief of the Guinean people during what he described as a difficult national moment.
“It is my fervent prayer and hope that you, your Government and the people of the Republic of Guinea, including, but not limited to the bereaved and affected families, in your usual resilience, will take solace in God The Almighty, as you go through this challenging national period of your existence,” Weah said in his message.
Disaster Strikes Before Landfill Closure
The landslide reportedly occurred shortly after 2 a.m. GMT on Sunday following heavy rainfall. Authorities said the rains washed over the enormous heap of refuse at Dar es Salaam, causing the unstable waste pile to collapse onto nearby dwellings.
Authorities launched a search-and-rescue operation to locate possible survivors. Six people were reported seriously injured, while several homes were destroyed.
The landfill had reportedly been designated for closure on Sunday, according to Lt. Col. Baldé Mamadou Bailo, a sanitation official with Guinea’s military engineering battalion.
The disaster has drawn renewed attention to the dangers posed by informal settlements around large waste dumps, particularly during Guinea’s rainy season.
Weah Praises Guinean Resilience
In his condolence message, Weah expressed confidence that President Doumbouya, his government and the Guinean people would overcome the tragedy with renewed strength and hope.
He said Guinea’s resilience would help the country navigate the aftermath of the disaster and urged the affected families to find comfort in their faith.
The former Liberian leader’s message comes as rescue workers and authorities continue efforts to respond to the deadly landslide and assess the full extent of the destruction in Conakry.
Weah concluded by assuring President Doumbouya and the Guinean people of his solidarity as they mourn those who lost their lives.
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