Shepherd University is hosting the U.S. Ambassador from the Republic of Guinea on Tuesday, Oct. 18. H.E. Ambassador Mamady Conde will give a lecture on Guinea’s political and governing system at 6 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium and will attend a cultural event from 8-10 p.m. in the Student Center Storer Ballroom.

Both events are free and open to the public.

The cultural presentation will showcase members of Shepherd’s Pan-African Student Union and will include presentations by Shepherd staff who are involved with international education. Highlights of the event will be remarks by Conde, African food and Guinean cultural artifacts.

The Republic of Guinea is a West African country and former French colony that gained its independence in 1958. Guinea is home to about 10 million people. Languages spoken include French, which is the official language, Susu, Fulani and Mandingo.

The dominant religions are Islam, which 86 percent of the population practices, Christianity, and other indigenous beliefs. Primary ethnic groups include the Fulani, Malnike, Soussou, Guerze and Kissi. Economically, Guinea is rich in mineral resources including bauxite and iron ore, although overall economic conditions are less than ideal.

Conde is the Ambassador Plenipotentiary for his country. He was previously appointed as Ambassador to Italy (2013-14), China (1996-2000), and Algeria and Tunisia (1988-96). In addition, Conde has served in Guinea as Minister of State (2006-07), Minister of Affairs (2004-05) and Minister of Communication (2000-04). Prior to his political service, Conde was an editor-in-chief and journalist.

Several Shepherd organizations are sponsoring the evening’s events, including Pi Sigma Alpha (the political science honor society), the Pan African Student Union, Office of Student Affairs, Student Government Association, Shepherd University Dining Hall, Multicultural Leadership Team and the Diversity and Equity Committee.

For more information, contact Dr. Joe Robbins, associate professor of political science and chair of the Department of Political Science, at 304-876-5347 or at jrobbins@shepherd.edu.