Cellou Dalein Diallo is a Guinean economist and politician known for his role in modernizing Guinea’s banking system and his long-standing fight for democracy. He has held several high-ranking positions, including Prime Minister of Guinea and leader of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG). As a prominent opposition figure, he has consistently opposed electoral fraud and autocratic rule, enduring persecution, exile, and personal losses in his struggle for a democratic Guinea. His leadership and sacrifices have earned him international recognition, including a tribute from former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and multiple awards for promoting democratic culture in Africa.
Diallo began his career at the Central Bank of Guinea, where he played a key role in liberalizing the economy and restructuring the banking sector from 1985 to 1995. He entered politics in 1996 as Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Tourism, later overseeing major infrastructure projects as Minister of Equipment, Transport, Public Works, and the Environment. He briefly served as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture in 2004 before being appointed Prime Minister. In 2007, he took over the leadership of the UFDG, transforming it into Guinea’s most influential opposition party. He led opposition efforts against military rule in 2009 and participated in multiple presidential elections, securing significant support but facing systemic fraud. His refusal to contest fraudulent results in 2010 to avoid civil unrest was widely praised.
Currently in exile, Diallo continues to advocate for democratic governance in Guinea. After Alpha Condé’s controversial third term, a military coup in 2021 brought new challenges, with the junta targeting opposition figures, including Diallo. His house was seized and demolished, and legal proceedings forced him to leave the country. Despite this, he remains a leading voice for political change and the restoration of civilian rule. Internationally, he has been recognized for his leadership, serving as Executive Vice-President of Liberal International since 2017. His resilience underscores his enduring commitment to democratic principles and governance reform in Guinea.
