Aly Touré, born on September 23, 1980, in Conakry, is a Guinean magistrate who currently serves as special prosecutor at the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Crimes (CRIEF). The son of a former "people's magistrate" of the Supreme Court, he followed a brilliant academic path with a master's degree in private law from Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry, complemented by training in Morocco.
After climbing the ranks of the judiciary as deputy prosecutor and then prosecutor in Mafanco and Kankan, he was appointed head of the special prosecutor's office at CRIEF in December 2021 by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya. At 43 years old, he has become known for his unwavering determination in prosecuting economic and financial crimes, not hesitating to indict former high officials such as Ibrahima Kassory Fofana and Mohamed Diané. Passionate about football - he even played at a professional level in Morocco - Aly Touré has become an emblematic figure in the fight against corruption in Guinea.
Introduction
Born on September 23, 1980, in Conakry, Aly Touré has established himself as an emblematic figure in contemporary Guinean justice. As Special Prosecutor at the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Crimes (CRIEF), he embodies the new generation of magistrates determined to combat the impunity and corruption that have long plagued the Republic of Guinea.
Academic Background
Coming from a family where law holds a prominent place—his father was a "people's magistrate" at the Supreme Court—Aly Touré took his first educational steps in a private school in Dixinn. After a brilliant academic journey that led him successively to Ratoma College and then to Kipé High School, he earned his baccalaureate and entered Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry.
In 2000, he obtained his master's degree in private law before departing for Morocco for specialized training lasting 18 months under the auspices of La Francophonie. Upon his return to Guinea in 2003, he began an informal internship at the Dixinn Court, where he would be trained for four years by Moundjour Chérif, a respected magistrate now serving at the Supreme Court.
The year 2007 marked a decisive turning point in his career when he brilliantly passed the competitive examination for judicial auditors. Out of more than 500 candidates for only 30 available positions, Aly Touré distinguished himself and joined the judicial training center of the Ministry of Justice for a two-year program. His rigor and intelligence allowed him to graduate at the top of his class in 2009.
Professional Rise
Immediately after completing his training, Aly Touré was appointed deputy prosecutor of the Republic at the Court of First Instance of Mafanco, where he served until 2015. That same year, he received a significant promotion, becoming acting prosecutor of the Republic within the same jurisdiction.
In 2018, a decree appointed him prosecutor of the Republic at the Court of First Instance of Kankan, in Upper Guinea. This ascending professional trajectory testifies to the recognition of his competence and integrity in a judicial system often criticized.
However, it was the political change that occurred on September 5, 2021, with Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya's rise to power, that truly propelled Aly Touré to the forefront of the national judicial scene. On December 29, 2021, he was appointed Special Prosecutor at CRIEF, a newly created institution to combat economic and financial crimes.
Leading CRIEF's Special Prosecutor's Office
Aware of the magnitude of the task awaiting him as head of CRIEF's special prosecutor's office, Aly Touré accepted this appointment with a mixture of pride and apprehension. "Our country has long been mired in embezzlement, mismanagement, corruption... when you think that this Court will fight against these scourges, and that you are chosen to lead the prosecutor's office of this jurisdiction in our country for the first time, it is first of all satisfaction, pride, and an enormous responsibility that motivates you," he confides.
Since taking office in January 2022, the prosecutor has worked on more than 140 cases related to alleged misappropriation of public funds, illicit enrichment, money laundering, and other economic offenses. His meticulous work has led to the indictment of many previously untouchable personalities, notably former dignitaries from the regimes of Lansana Conté and Alpha Condé.
Among the prosecuted personalities are Ibrahima Kassory Fofana (former Prime Minister), Mohamed Diané (former Minister of Defense), Amadou Damaro Camara (former President of the National Assembly), as well as Cellou Dalein Diallo and Mamadou Sylla. Faced with criticism and attempts to discredit his procedures, Aly Touré remains imperturbable and determined in his mission for justice.
Rigorous Methodology
Aly Touré's determination is manifest in his working method. In an interview given in 2022, he stated: "At CRIEF, we don't initiate prosecutions only to say we have no evidence. If I am not convinced by a procedure, I would not engage it. Because I don't want to appear ridiculous."
This professional rigor is also reflected in eloquent statistics. Of 138 people indicted before CRIEF's investigating chamber, only 12 were placed in pre-trial detention, thus demonstrating that, contrary to accusations from some critics, the prosecutor favors judicial control over systematic incarceration.
Despite pressures and criticisms, particularly those from lawyers of prosecuted personalities who do not hesitate to call him a "king prosecutor," Aly Touré remains faithful to his principles and his mission. His training under eminent magistrates such as Moundjour Chérif, William Fernandes, and Hassane Bah has forged a character and professional ethics that withstand any test.
Passion for Football
Beyond his legal career, Aly Touré nurtures a sincere passion for football. During his training years in Morocco, he had even signed a professional license with Hafez, a Moroccan first division club. However, at his father's insistence, he returned to Guinea after his legal training.
A great supporter of Horoya Athletic Club of Conakry and Paris Saint-Germain, Aly Touré holds a particular admiration for Cameroonian international Samuel Eto'o. During his free time, he continues to practice this sport, which he considers a way to recharge and renew his energy to confront Guinea's "financial delinquents."
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his determination to fight corruption, Aly Touré is not immune to controversies. In March 2023, while lawyers for Ibrahima Kassory Fofana and his co-defendants were awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court regarding an appeal, the special prosecutor created surprise by announcing the imminent opening of their trial.
This decision provoked outrage from the defense, which threatened to boycott the hearing. Unshaken, Aly Touré reminded them that "the law authorizes that defendants be forcibly extracted from their place of detention," as they had been placed under detention orders.
More recently, in June 2024, hearings at CRIEF were temporarily suspended following the removal of three magistrates by the Minister of Justice, Yaya Kaïraba Kaba. However, Aly Touré reassured public opinion by affirming that he was actively working with the ministry for a rapid resumption of procedures.
Renewed Confidence
On January 12, 2024, as part of a vast reshuffle at the level of the country's jurisdictions, the president of the transition, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, renewed his confidence in Aly Touré by confirming him in his position as special prosecutor at CRIEF. This decision testifies to the official recognition of his work and commitment to fighting corruption.
Conclusion
At 43, Aly Touré embodies the renewal of Guinean justice. His exemplary career, unwavering determination, and professional integrity make him a key actor in Guinea's ongoing political transition. Through his action at the head of CRIEF's special prosecutor's office, he is helping to lay the foundations of a state of law where impunity would no longer be the norm.
As he likes to recall, quoting a maxim inherited from his father: "Man is the architect of his own destiny." This philosophy seems to guide each of his actions in his quest for justice and equity for the Guinean people.
