By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, August 29, 2026: The Government of Sierra Leone has confirmed that 17 of its nationals — 14 men and three women — were among those killed in the Dar‑es‑Salam landfill landslide in Conakry, Guinea.
The victims were identified during a joint exercise involving Guinean authorities and officials from the Sierra Leonean Embassy in Conakry, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The collapse at the landfill in the Gbessia area triggered a major emergency operation, with recovery and identification efforts still underway. Guinea’s authorities have reported 34 fatalities, though figures may change as operations continue.
The Sierra Leonean Embassy has also confirmed 54 survivors, including 32 women, 17 men, and five minors. Immediate humanitarian assistance — food, clothing, and essential supplies — has been provided, while further consular needs are being assessed.
Behind the official figures are families enduring painful uncertainty as they await confirmation about missing relatives. The government has urged the public to rely only on verified information, warning against the spread of unconfirmed casualty lists on social media.
In a statement, Sierra Leone extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Guinea.
“The Ministry appreciates the cooperation and assistance of the Government of the Republic of Guinea throughout the recovery, identification, and humanitarian response efforts,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry noted.
The tragedy has reignited debate over the risks faced by communities living near large waste disposal sites in West Africa’s cities, where rapid urban growth often outpaces safety and environmental safeguards.