Ibrahima Bangoura, used clothing salesman, 32
"We want the president to help us find a job that guarantees our dignity. We sell used clothing in the street because there are no other jobs, and we must live. We want [the government] to create the conditions for domestic and foreign companies to invest so we can find relatively decent jobs.
“We also want to create a good image of Guinea because our country does not have a good image. We want to be a normal country like others."
Hadja Diallo, market vendor, 23
Photo: Ismael Camara/IRIN |
Hadja Diallo |
Mohamed Camara, lawyer, 36
"I am not waiting for any miracles from the next president. Rather, I am waiting for democracy. The problem with this country is the mentality. There has to be a complete change. As such, I expect the next president to endow the country with strong institutions that respect the principles of good governance, so that finally the leaders are held accountable to the people. This will also make judicial independence a reality and ensure the rule of law. These conditions together permit investors to do business here without fear.
"Because Guinea cannot survive from its mining potential alone… The future president will have no grace period, with all the pressing social demands. Everything is a priority in Guinea: electricity, water, road infrastructure, health, education. With state coffers almost empty, it will not be easy. National reconciliation is also a priority. There must be the conditions for truth and reconciliation.
Mamadou Barry, government employee, 49
Photo: Ismael Camara/IRIN |
Mamadou Barry |
"Another major challenge is the strengthening of national unity, social cohesion. But the biggest challenge of the next president will be the restructuring of the Guinean administration. The problem of Guinea lies with the intellectuals. Only if [the president] introduces a new work discipline, can this country move forward."
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This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions