Foreign Minister leads delegation to Conakry as 17 compatriots are laid to rest after Dar-es-Salam landslide

-The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, headed government delegation to national funeral ceremony in Conakry on 4 September 2026, honouring 17 Sierra Leonean nationals among 36 confirmed fatalities from Dar-es-Salam landfill collapse, tragedy that devastated border community nearly two weeks prior.

The funeral service convened at 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 National Disaster Management Agency. The Guinean Authority observed 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 disaster. Local youth and state emergency services mobilised immediately, with Head of State, Prime Minister and cabinet members present onsite supporting rescue operations.

Official confirmed final casualty toll of thirty-six deceased as of 4 September, including female victim who succumbed Monday and another fatality previous day at Donka Hospital. ANGUCH, in collaboration with Conakry municipal authorities and Governor, established two reception centres accommodating over 1,600 displaced persons. Official commended Presidential oversight and government strategic coordination throughout emergency response.

Conakry Governor M'Mahawa Sylla equllly joined in deliverying her tribute to those who tragically perished in Dar-es-Salam catastrophe, characterising ceremony as moment of collective mourning. She extended sincere condolences to bereaved families, President of Republic and Guinean populace, warmly welcoming Sierra Leonean delegation for accompanying Guinea in shared sorrow, concluding with prayer for eternal repose.

Mr. Lancei Touré, representing victims' families, directly addressed President Mamadi Doumbouya, expressing gratitude for leadership, government support, Governor and Mayor presence during crisis. Coffins draped in national flags lined 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 Guinean government delegation, with diplomatic corps also in attendance.