Sierra Leone Buries 17 Nationals — FSX Business
Sierra Leone has buried 17 nationals killed in the collapse of a landfill in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, as the death toll from the disaster reached 36.
Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray led a government delegation to a national funeral ceremony in Conakry on September 4, nearly two weeks after the Dar-es-Salam landfill collapse devastated a border community.
The 17 Sierra Leonean victims, comprising 14 men and three women, were among those confirmed dead in the disaster, according to Guinea’s National Agency for Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Management.
The funeral was held at the Turkish Mosque in the Bambéto district before the remains were taken to Martyrs Cemetery for burial. Coffins draped in national flags were laid out in the mosque courtyard as relatives and government officials gathered for the ceremony.
Swaray conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and thanked Guinean authorities for their role in identifying the victims and providing assistance to those affected.
He also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining bilateral cooperation with Guinea and strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Guinea observed a national day of mourning for the victims. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah led the Guinean government delegation at the ceremony, which was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps.
Guinean authorities said the confirmed death toll had reached 36 as of September 4, after two additional victims died in hospital. One victim died on Monday, while another died the previous day at Donka Hospital.
The disaster prompted an immediate response from local youth groups and state emergency services, with President Mamadi Doumbouya, the prime minister and cabinet members visiting the site during rescue operations.
The National Agency for Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Management, known as ANGUCH, working with Conakry’s municipal authorities and the governor’s office, established two reception centres that provided shelter for more than 1,600 people displaced by the collapse.
Conakry Governor M’Mahawa Sylla paid tribute to those killed and offered condolences to their families and the wider Guinean population. She also welcomed Sierra Leone’s delegation, describing its presence at the funeral as a sign of solidarity between the neighbouring countries.
Lancei Touré, representing the victims’ families, thanked President Doumbouya and government officials for their support during the emergency, including the presence of the governor and mayor at the site. Following afternoon prayers, the remains were taken to Martyrs Cemetery for burial.
Source: FSX Business News
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