AGP Executive Report

Student Arts Spotlight: Guinea student art winners were named, with the Guinea Jubilee Children’s Art Committee chairperson Barbara Priest pictured alongside young finalists—another reminder that creativity is thriving locally. Cultural Heritage & Dance: KanKouran Dance Company marked 43 years with an annual concert at Howard University, spotlighting Gen-Z leaders and the next generation trained to preserve African dance and culture. Music & Identity: Jabulile Majola talks to Sowetan about his shift from rap to Afro-folk and Afro-soul, now moving into a new album chapter. International Arts & Film: Nigerian filmmaker Damilola Orimogunje lands a historic Venice Giornate degli Autori feature debut with “Dear Ajayi,” a family drama rooted in 1990s Southwestern Nigeria. Guinea in Regional Diplomacy: Guinea reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Sahara sovereignty during the Morocco-Guinea Joint Cooperation Commission in Conakry, signing 25 agreements to deepen ties. Faith & Youth Exchange: Guinea’s Catholic youth delegation headed to West African Youth Day in Ghana, urged by Archbishop François Sylla to treat the trip as a missionary mission, not a tourist stop. Community Tragedy: Conakry held a mass funeral for 36 landfill-collapse victims, with relief efforts continuing for survivors and displaced families.

Venice Spotlight: Nigerian filmmaker Damilola Orimogunje is set to make history at the Venice Giornate degli Autori, becoming the first Nigerian to debut a feature there with his sophomore film Dear Ajayi, a Nigerian-German co-production about two sisters in 1990s Southwestern Nigeria wrestling with faith, ambition, and grief. Guinea Community & Faith: In Conakry, Archbishop François Sylla urged 155 young Guinean Catholics heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to treat the trip as a missionary experience—returning as “ambassadors” of peace and hope. Guinea Tragedy & Culture: Conakry marked a mass funeral for 36 landfill-collapse victims after heavy rain, with authorities revising the toll and calling for demolition of homes in high-risk zones. Football Talent Pipeline: Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté from Gençlerbirliği, with the 18-year-old returning on loan for 2026/27. Sports Brief: Reports say Orlando Pirates’ Mohau Nkota is back in training but will likely need more time to regain match fitness after a knee injury.

Guinea in the spotlight: Conakry’s Catholic Archdiocese urged 155 young delegates heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to treat the trip as a missionary mission, not tourism, and to return as “ambassadors” for peace and hope in their communities. Arts & culture: The Macondo Literary Festival unveiled its 2026 theme, “Ink, Sea, Silence,” with a programme spanning literature, art and music, and a focus on restitution and the “archives of silence” around looted African heritage. Guinea arts on the global map: A UNESCO City of Literature discussion highlighted Conakry’s existing UNESCO City of Literature status and framed it as a more lasting goal than the World Book Capital title. Community tragedy: Conakry held a mass funeral for 36 victims of a deadly landfill collapse, with authorities revising the toll and reporting hundreds affected—while survivors demanded safer relocation after demolition efforts. Football & identity: Newcastle confirmed the signing of Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté, keeping him on loan at Gençlerbirliği as he continues his rise.

Guinea Arts & Culture: Conakry’s Catholic Archdiocese urged 155 young delegates heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to treat the trip as a “missionary experience,” returning as ambassadors of peace and hope for their dioceses. Guinea in the Spotlight: Reuters reports a mass funeral in Conakry for 36 landfill-collapse victims, with 17 confirmed Sierra Leonean nationals and more than 1,600 affected, as authorities move to clear high-risk homes after the disaster. Guinea Talent Abroad: Newcastle United confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté from Gençlerbirliği, with the player loaned back to Turkey for 2026/27. Sports (Africa-wide): UFC Paris crowned Salahdine Parnasse with a first-round liver-kick TKO over Dan Hooker, while African footballers like Bryan Mbeumo and Nicolas Pépé posted standout performances in Europe. Tech & Skills (Liberia, regional): CSquared scaled its Ganta broadband and digital learning programme from a grant pilot to a commercial service with Microsoft support.

Guinea Arts & Culture: Conakry marked a solemn milestone for community memory and public culture after a landfill collapse killed 36 people; thousands attended a mass funeral in Bambeto, while authorities revised the toll and began clearance in high-risk zones. Guinea Youth & Faith: In Conakry, Archbishop François Sylla urged 155 young Catholics heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to treat the trip as a missionary mission—returning as ambassadors of peace and hope. Guinea Sports Talent: Newcastle United confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté from Turkish club Gençlerbirliği, with the player loaned back as he continues his rise. Regional Arts & Entertainment: A UNESCO-listed medieval theatre tradition, Tchiloli, continues to draw crowds in São Tomé and Príncipe, blending Portuguese-era stories with living performance. Arts Beyond Guinea: A fall dance roundup highlights Bay Area performances, including major classical and queer-focused works.

Guinea in the spotlight: Conakry marked a national moment of grief with a mass funeral for 36 victims killed when a landfill collapsed after heavy rain, as authorities revised the toll and moved bodies to Bambeto cemetery while survivors and displaced families still seek urgent help. Football talent pipeline: Newcastle United officially confirmed the signing of Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté (18), with the teenager loaned back to Gençlerbirliği as he continues his rise after a Guinea debut. Arts & culture: An evocative “Figure, Form & Field” exhibition opened in Islamabad, spotlighting how artists use the human figure and identity themes—an international reminder of how creative expression travels. Youth & faith: Guinea’s Catholic archdiocese urged 155 young delegates heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to treat the trip as a missionary mission, not a tourist stop. Sports abroad with Guinea links: UFC Paris delivered a first-debut win for Salahdine Parnasse, while European league coverage highlighted African stars like Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo.

Bafana Bafana Coaching Shake-up: Pitso Mosimane is officially back as South Africa’s head coach, returning 14 years after his first stint and immediately turning to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers—starting with a home match against Guinea on 26 September. UFC Paris Spotlight: Salahdine Parnasse made a winning UFC debut in Paris, stopping Dan Hooker in the main event with a first-round liver kick TKO, while other European bouts also drew attention. Guinea Youth & Faith: Conakry’s Catholic Archdiocese urged 155 young Catholics heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to treat the trip as a missionary mission, not a tourist stop. Guinea in International Football Transfers: Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté (18), loaned back to Gençlerbirliği as he continues his rise. Conakry Disaster Remembrance: Guinea held a mass funeral in Conakry for 36 landfill-collapse victims, with authorities revising the toll and reporting hundreds affected. Culture & Literature: A writer/critic backed Lagos for UNESCO City of Literature status, noting Guinea’s existing UNESCO World Book Capital and City of Literature recognition.

Bafana Bafana Coaching Shake-up: Pitso Mosimane is officially back as South Africa’s head coach, returning 14 years after his first spell ended, with SAFA framing the move as a push toward AFCON and the 2030 World Cup. Guinea Connection: Mosimane’s first big test comes fast—Bafana open 2027 AFCON qualifiers at home against Guinea on 26 September, then face Eritrea, with Guinea also in Kenya’s qualifying group. UFC Paris Spotlight: Salahdine Parnasse made a statement in his UFC debut in Paris, stopping Dan Hooker in the main event, while other European fighters delivered notable wins. Guinea Talent Abroad: Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté (18), loaned back to Gençlerbirliği for the season. Culture & Faith in Guinea: Conakry’s Catholic archdiocese urged 155 young Catholics heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to treat the trip as a missionary mission, not a tourist stop. Community News: Conakry held a mass funeral for 36 landfill-collapse victims, with relief and relocation concerns still rising.

Guinea Youth & Faith: Conakry’s Catholic Archdiocese urged 155 young Catholics heading to West African Youth Day in Ghana to treat the trip as a missionary mission, not a tourist stop, and to return as “ambassadors” of peace and hope. Guinea Tragedy & Community Response: Conakry held a mass funeral for 36 landfill-collapse victims killed after heavy rain, with authorities revising the toll, reporting dozens of injured, and starting demolition in high-risk zones—while displaced residents demanded urgent relocation help. Football (Guinea Talent Abroad): Newcastle United confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabate from Gençlerbirliği, loaned back to Turkey for 2026/27; the move highlights Guinea’s growing pipeline into European football. Regional Sports (Guinea in the Mix): South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane was unveiled as Bafana coach ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Guinea listed as an early opponent—while Kenya’s Harambee Stars also name squads for matches including a trip to Conakry. Arts & Culture (Guinea-linked): A UNESCO City of Literature discussion put Guinea’s Conakry alongside other African cities, reinforcing the country’s cultural profile beyond sport.

Guinea Football in the Spotlight: Newcastle United have officially signed Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté (18), with the teenager returning to Gençlerbirliği on loan for 2026/27—another big European step for Guinean talent. Guinea Sports & National Team Build-Up: South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane was unveiled as Bafana Bafana coach, with Guinea set to be the opening opponent in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers—meaning Guinea fans will be watching the matchup closely as squads take shape. Arts, Culture & Community: Conakry held a mass funeral for 36 victims of the Dar-es-Salam landfill collapse, while Guinea’s literary and student arts scene also stays active, including a Guinea Jubilee student art winners recognition event. Regional Arts & Entertainment: A UNESCO-listed Tchiloli theatre tradition in São Tomé continues to draw crowds with its medieval European story told through African performance culture. Sports Beyond Guinea: Basketball and football updates dominated the week across Africa, from AFCON qualifier squads to FIBA World Cup qualifying momentum.

Guinea Arts & Culture: Conakry marked a national moment of grief with a mass funeral for 36 landfill victims killed after heavy rain triggered a deadly collapse in Dar-es-Salam; authorities revised the toll, confirmed 17 Sierra Leonean nationals among the dead, and said relief reached over 1,600 affected people, while displaced residents criticized harsh clearance conditions and demanded urgent relocation. Guinea Sports (talent pipeline): Newcastle United officially confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabaté from Turkish club Gençlerbirliği, with the player returning on loan until the end of the season as he continues his rise after a Guinea international debut. Regional arts spotlight: A UNESCO-listed tradition in São Tomé and Príncipe, Tchiloli open-air theatre, is drawing crowds with medieval European drama performed in Old Portuguese—an example of how Gulf of Guinea cultures keep old stories alive.

Human Rights & Media: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia’s rights situation has worsened sharply since President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab, with civil society groups, journalists, lawyers, and migrants facing arrests, detentions, and prosecutions. Guinea Sports & Talent: Guinea striker Yadaly Diaby has joined Vancouver Whitecaps, adding fresh talent to the club after scoring for Guinea’s men’s team; the move keeps Guinea’s football presence in the spotlight. Football (Regional): South Africa officially unveiled Pitso Mosimane as Bafana Bafana coach, with qualifiers looming against Guinea and Eritrea—big news for fans across the region. Arts & Culture (West Africa): Sao Tome’s UNESCO-listed Tchiloli theatre continues to draw crowds with medieval European drama performed in Old Portuguese, blending European stories with local performance traditions. Women’s Football: Guinea’s Bafing FC suffered a 4-0 loss to Sierra Leone’s Ram Kay in the West Africa Women’s Football Tournament. Ebola (Africa): DRC Ebola figures keep climbing, with reports of over 6,000 cases and more than 2,900 deaths as health authorities warn the outbreak remains out of control.

Guinea-focused arts & culture: Guinea Jubilee student art winners are set to be recognized Saturday, with the community closing in on the Sept. 25–26 festival in Bena, including an art reception and a popular cake sale. Football & identity: Guinea’s Ousmane Diabaté has officially signed for Newcastle United and will be loaned back to Gençlerbirliği, a big spotlight moment for Guinean talent abroad. Sports in the region: South Sudan’s Bright Stars had a planned victory celebration for their Tunisia run, but it was cancelled by the ministry. Culture beyond Guinea: Sao Tome’s UNESCO-listed Tchiloli theatre keeps drawing crowds with a medieval European tragedy performed in Old Portuguese. Public health shock: DR Congo’s Ebola toll keeps climbing, with deaths reported above 2,900 and cases above 6,000, as officials warn the outbreak remains out of control. Local governance & community: Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya visited the Dar es Salam landfill disaster site after a deadly landslide, as families seek rehousing and questions grow over the planned mass burial.

Guinea in the spotlight: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have officially unveiled Pitso Mosimane as head coach, with qualifiers looming against Guinea and Eritrea—Kenya’s Harambee Stars also name a provisional squad that includes a Guinea clash on Oct 1, keeping West Africa football ties front and center. Guinean talent abroad: Vancouver Whitecaps sign Guinean striker Yadaly Diaby, adding fresh attacking options after he’s already featured for Guinea’s men’s team. Arts & culture: In Sao Tome, UNESCO-listed Tchiloli theatre blends medieval European tragedy with African audiences’ love for themes like justice, performed with flamboyant costumes and Old Portuguese drama. Sports beyond football: South Sudan’s Bright Stars celebrate after sweeping Tunisia in FIBA World Cup qualifiers, while Nigeria’s D’Tigers suffer another setback in the same qualification race. Public life & tragedy: Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya visits the Dar es Salam landfill disaster site after deadly rubbish-collapse deaths, as Sierra Leone confirms nationals among the victims. Health crisis: Ebola in DR Congo tops 6,000 cases with deaths near 2,911, with WHO warning the outbreak remains out of control.

Guinea Jubilee (Arts): Student winners from the Guinea Jubilee contest at Achilles Elementary School will be unveiled at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the community closing in on this year’s Sept. 25–26 festival in Bena, including an art reception and a popular cake sale. Regional Women’s Football: Bafing FC of Guinea (Mamou) suffered a 4-0 loss to Sierra Leone’s Ram Kay in the West Africa Women’s Showpiece, highlighting the growing push for women’s football across the region. Guinea in Sports (Diaspora/International): Guinean striker Yadaly Diaby has been signed by Vancouver Whitecaps, adding a new link between Guinea’s talent pipeline and major international leagues. Culture & Music (African rhythms abroad): Washington DC’s KanKouran will host a major African dance and drum weekend and concert on Sept. 5, with workshops running Sept. 4–6. Public Health (West Africa context): Ebola updates from the DRC report thousands of cases and deaths, with Guinea referenced as part of the region’s past outbreak history.

Guinea-Sierra Leone Sports Spotlight: Ram Kay beat Guinea’s Bafing FC 4-0 in the West Africa Women’s Showpiece in Port Loko, a tough opener for the Mamou side and another reminder of how fast women’s football is growing across the region. South Africa–Guinea Football Link: Pitso Mosimane was officially unveiled as Bafana Bafana coach, with AFCON qualifiers looming—South Africa’s first big test includes Guinea on Sept 23—so Guinea fans will be watching his early plans closely. Guinea Humanitarian & Safety: President Mamadi Doumbouya visited Conakry’s Dar es Salam landfill disaster area after a deadly rubbish-tip collapse, with families seeking rehousing and renewed questions about how the site is managed. Regional Health Watch: The DRC Ebola outbreak has crossed 6,000 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths, keeping the crisis firmly in the spotlight for West and Central Africa. Guinea in the Diaspora/Global Culture: A piece on Tupac’s 30-year influence highlights how his image and music resonate with young people across places including Guinea. Migration & Arts-Adjacent Lifestyle: IOM reported 535 voluntary returns from Libya, including 102 to Guinea, while other coverage tracks culture and entertainment trends beyond the region.