By: Amara Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has led a government delegation to Conakry to attend the national funeral ceremony for 17 Sierra Leonean nationals who died in the Dar-es-Salam landfill collapse.
The ceremony, held on 4 September 2026 at the Turkish Mosque in the Bambéto district, brought together Guinean government officials, diplomatic representatives and bereaved families. The deceased were among 36 people confirmed dead following the disaster, which struck the Dar-es-Salam community nearly two weeks ago.
The Sierra Leonean delegation included Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengoh, Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty, Presidential Spokesperson Alpha Kanu, and Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency, John Rogers.
The remains were taken to Martyrs Cemetery for burial following the funeral prayers.
Minister Swaray paid tribute to the 17 Sierra Leonean victims14 men and three women and expressed condolences to their families. He also thanked the Guinean authorities for their efforts in identifying the victims, supporting survivors and assisting affected families.
He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding bilateral relations and cooperation with Guinea, particularly in times of crisis.
Guinean authorities described the disaster as a national tragedy that triggered an immediate response from local communities and state emergency services. President Mamadi Doumbouya, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and members of the government were involved in the emergency response and rescue operations.
According to Guinea’s National Agency for Emergency and Humanitarian Disaster Management, the death toll had reached 36 as of 4 September. The agency confirmed that two additional victims died at Donka Hospital one on Monday and another the previous day.
The agency, working with the Conakry municipal authorities and the Governor, established two reception centres that accommodated more than 1,600 displaced people affected by the disaster.
Conakry Governor M’Mahawa Sylla also paid tribute to the victims, describing the funeral as a moment of collective mourning. She extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Guinean people, while welcoming the Sierra Leonean delegation for standing with Guinea during the difficult period.
Representing the victims’ families, Lancei Touré thanked President Doumbouya and the Guinean authorities for their leadership and support throughout the crisis. He also acknowledged the presence of the Governor and Mayor during the emergency response.
Coffins draped in national flags were placed in the courtyard of the Turkish Mosque as grieving relatives gathered for the ceremony. Following the afternoon prayers, the remains were taken to Martyrs Cemetery for burial.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah led the Guinean government delegation at the ceremony, which was also attended by members of the diplomatic corps.