Guinea Holds Mass Funeral for 36 Killed in Landfill Collapse

CONAKRY, Guinea — Thousands of mourners gathered in Guinea on Friday for a mass funeral for 36 people who died after a section of a massive landfill collapsed in a residential area of the capital, Conakry, following heavy rains.

The victims were killed when part of the garbage dump in the Dar-es-Salam neighbourhood gave way overnight between August 22 and 23, with many residents reportedly asleep when the collapse occurred.

Authorities announced an updated death toll of 36 people, including 17 Sierra Leonean nationals, during Friday's funeral ceremony.

Thousands gather to mourn victims

The bodies were taken to a mosque in Bambeto, a suburb of Conakry, where Muslim funeral prayers were held in the presence of families, government officials, religious leaders and thousands of mourners.

The tragedy has left affected communities struggling to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.

"We are completely disillusioned. We are deeply troubled by this tragedy. We don't know what to do," said Aboubacar Camara, a survivor of the collapse.

An AFP journalist at the ceremony witnessed several grieving women overcome by emotion as mourners gathered to pay their respects.

Conakry Governor General Mahawa Cisse expressed solidarity with the victims' families, saying the country was mourning alongside those who had lost relatives.

Victims laid to rest

Following the funeral prayers, the bodies were transported to Bambeto Cemetery, where they were buried in a ceremony attended by relatives, religious leaders and government representatives.

The mass burial brought together members of communities affected by the disaster, including the families of the Sierra Leonean victims.

Dozens remain hospitalised

Guinea's emergency management agency said approximately 20 people remain hospitalised following the collapse.

More than 1,600 people have also received assistance as authorities continue responding to the disaster and its impact on surrounding communities.

The incident has highlighted concerns over the dangers posed by the landfill's proximity to densely populated residential areas.

Authorities demolish homes in danger zone

Following the collapse, authorities began demolishing houses in areas considered vulnerable to further incidents.

Officials have defended the operation as a necessary measure to protect residents from another potential disaster.

However, affected residents have criticised the conditions under which the demolitions are being carried out and are calling for assistance to help them relocate.

The demands have added a humanitarian dimension to the emergency, with displaced families seeking support as authorities attempt to reduce the risk around the landfill.

The mass funeral on Friday marked a solemn moment for Guinea as families and communities laid the victims to rest while authorities faced renewed pressure to address the safety and living conditions around the landfill.