Guinea: Driving the RN1 – Route Nationale 1

RN1 is the main road in Guinea, starting in Comackry, running through the entirety of the country and ending up at the Liberian border in Ganta. And as many things in Guinea are – it’s in a totally appealing condition. Asphalt or gravel are non existent, and at times is deep red clay and mud, probably impassable for a good half of the year. Vehicles and trucks and bikes are struggling to navigate this major throughfare and Guinea connection to the world. The state of infrastructure in Guinea is one of the worst in Africa and the world – inexplicable for a country rich in natural resources. Sadly, all this wealth is lost to corruption, mired in endless coups, and incessant wining about French colonialism (although Guinea has been fully independent since 1958 after kicking out the French). Also, Russia has long tentacles in Guinea, siphoning out the resources, and funding the inept dictatorships.