In a remarkable display of determination, Mamadou Safaiou Barry, a young Guinean student, embarked on an incredible journey to fulfill his dream of studying Islamic theology at a prestigious institution. Facing financial constraints that made flying to Egypt from Guinea an impossible option, Barry sketched out a map of Africa in his spiral notebook and set forth on a mission, armed with nothing more than a change of clothes, a flashlight, and a trusty screwdriver. His destination: Al-Azhar University, one of the world’s oldest and most respected Sunni Muslim educational establishments.
Guinean Student’s Epic Bike Ride to Secure a Spot at a Top Islamic University
Over the course of four arduous months and traversing seven countries, Barry pedaled thousands of kilometers across the African continent. His path led him through dense jungles, unforgiving deserts, and regions marred by conflict, all in the hope of securing a place at the esteemed university and finding a means to support his studies.
Barry’s journey serves as a testament to unwavering determination and the belief that dreams can become reality with dedication. In his own words, he declared, “If you have a dream, stay with it and be strong. God will help you.”
While Barry’s odyssey showcases the power of determination, it also sheds light on the perilous journeys undertaken by thousands of West Africans who cross the Sahara desert annually in pursuit of better opportunities. Tragically, not all of them reach their intended destinations. According to data from the International Organization for Migration, nearly 500 individuals lost their lives or went missing on West African migration routes last year.
However, Barry’s story is one of resilience and courage. Covering approximately 100 kilometers each day, he pedaled through Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, and Niger before encountering an unexpected obstacle in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. His planned route was disrupted by an ongoing conflict in Sudan, and he found himself detained on three occasions—twice in the insurgency-stricken Burkina Faso and once in Togo. In the latter, security forces held him without charge for a harrowing nine days before releasing him in exchange for 35,000 CFA francs ($56), which constituted his entire remaining savings for the journey.
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Barry often sought refuge in the wilderness, fearing that city dwellers might seize his bicycle and cause him harm. However, fortune smiled upon him once more when a local philanthropist in Chad, having read about his extraordinary journey online, offered to fly him directly to Egypt, bypassing the perilous fighting in Sudan.
On September 5th, Barry finally arrived in Cairo, where he soon realized his dream by securing a full scholarship to Al-Azhar University. A heartwarming photograph, widely shared on social media, captures the moment he met a jubilant university representative.
With his sights set on completing his studies, Barry plans to return to Guinea to share the faith that has propelled him on this incredible journey. “When I return to my country, I would like to be someone who teaches Islam and tells people how to do good things,” he expressed.
Mamadou Safaiou Barry’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the pursuit of dreams, and the unwavering belief that determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges. His remarkable journey is sure to inspire many as he continues his path toward academic and spiritual fulfillment.
