On Friday, October 7, 2022, Cellou Dalein Diallo receives the Africa Freedom Speech Award and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Award in Johannesburg, South Africa.
While in South Africa as part of the General Assembly of the African Liberal Network (RLA), Guinean historical opponent, former Prime Minister and charismatic leader of the Union of Democratic Forces in Guinea, Cellou Dalein Diallo received the Africa Freedom Speech and Award from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa. This award recognizes men and women who work to give impetus to African democracy. And this year the foundation made a statement that can be seen as a slap in the face to the ruling Guinean military junta: “Despite the challenges of the stolen elections and a fragile political environment, Cellou Dalein Diallo’s struggle for democracy continues. He continues to advocate for the restoration of a legitimate government and for free and fair elections. For his efforts, he received continued support from Liberals around the world. We reflect on his journey and experiences of Guinea and the struggle for freedom, a struggle for many across the African continent”. In giving this award, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values. According to her, Cellou Dalein Diallo is the only opposition voice that deserves to be praised for its peaceful struggle: “Organizing the opposition’s voice against the multiple military takeovers in Guinea, he has often been the victim of the brutality of state-sponsored violence under the various military juntas. The new Guinean military junta of 2021 shows no ambition to leave the presidential palace. Restrictions against political parties are enforced and their leaders are continually harassed.”
The recipient was keen to offer the accompanying grant – the 15,000 euro round – to a Guinean NGO fighting for the protection of women and children in Guinea’s forest region. The Humanitarian NGO for the Protection of Women and Children – HPFE. The Organization was created in 2010 after several cases of violations of the rights of women and children were identified. It is directed by Hélène Kokolou Zogbelemou. This NGO raises awareness through “radio programmes, educational discussions, debates, domestic violence and advocacy” in the South-East region of Equatorial Guinea. In the face of multiple female genital mutilation, she makes the voices of victims of violence of all kinds heard.
The Guinean political opponent, born in 1952, is an economist by training. Cellou Dalein Diallo has three times contested the supreme office. However, he has never been able to occupy the presidential chair that is desperately slipping from his hands. He was for two years (2004-2006) prime minister of the president during the era of Lassana Konté, then president. Before that, he was Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and the Environment.
