In Séguéla, tire vulcanization is much more than a manual trade; it's a refuge, a school of life, and the quiet guarantor of road safety. Far from idleness, a new generation of young artisans transforms hot rubber and heavy rims into a future built by the strength of their blackened hands.

The Tumult of Everyday Life

On the road to Sifié, near the corridor, the roar of engines and the incessant hum of compressors form the soundtrack of hard work. Under a blazing sun, heralding the Harmattan wind, Alassane Konaté 's workshop, though makeshift, stands with remarkable tenacity.

Since 2017, Alassane, a young, wiry craftsman, has been the undisputed master of this space. His face glistening with sweat, he wrestles with a giant tire, each stroke a demonstration of strength and discipline. The air is heavy, thick with dust and the acrid smell of heated rubber.

“Every day, I fight to ensure the vehicles leave safely. This job is tough, but it has taught me patience and discipline,” says Alassane, a self-taught man whose skill has earned him his boss’s trust. “I want to show that even without advanced degrees, you can succeed through willpower and courage.”

Heritage and Modernity: The School of Ibrahim

A few kilometers away, at the famous "Yacou garage" on the Diarabana road, 23-year-old Ibrahim Diarra embodies the next generation. He is the proud heir to the third family workshop, perpetuating the work of his father, a respected figure in the community.

But Ibrahim isn't content with simply inheriting the business. His workshop has become a veritable training center. The sounds of tools mingle with the instructions he gives to the apprentices he mentors with exemplary patience and rigor. For him, the garage goes beyond mere repairs; it's a social mission.

“I grew up surrounded by tires. Today, I feel a responsibility to pass on this knowledge to the young people who come to us, sometimes without any guidance,” explains Ibrahim. “The garage is more than just a workshop: it’s a family, a space where you learn not only how to work, but also to respect and help each other.”

An Invisible Profession, a Vital Responsibility

Behind the mobility of Séguéla – motorcycles, cars, and trucks – lies the versatile expertise of tire repairers. Their work, often overlooked, is nevertheless essential to public safety.

Their expertise is impressive: from meticulous disassembly to detecting invisible flaws, from the precise gluing of inner tubes to reinflating them to the correct balance. Each step demands technical rigor that can be acquired quickly. In just a few months, an apprentice can become self-sufficient, guaranteeing the reliability of the vehicles.

This role gives young drivers immense responsibility. They know that their work is directly linked to the lives of drivers and passengers.

“When a tire blows out on the road, it’s often a serious accident. We are aware that our work protects lives,” says Ibrahim Diarra. “It’s a heavy burden, a great responsibility, but also a source of immense pride.”

The Garage: A Refuge Against Idleness

Beyond their technical aspects, the vulcanization workshops in Séguéla play a crucial social role: they act as a bulwark against idleness. These modest spaces are transformed into practical training centers, offering young people a concrete alternative to life on the streets.

The strength of these garages lies in intergenerational transmission. The older generation passes on their knowledge to the younger generation, creating a chain of skills and trust that often leads to professional independence.

“Many young people come here after school or when they don’t have a job. In three months, they can learn the basics and start earning a living,” Ibrahim points out. “It’s an opportunity for them, but also a way to stay away from the bad influences of the street.”

The Challenges of the Future

Despite their courage, these artisans face obstacles that hinder their development:

1. Space: The lack of suitable premises or land often confines them to precarious roadside installations. "We need a decent place to work," insists Alassane Konaté.
2. Equipment: The lack of modern machinery prevents optimal and safer work. "With suitable equipment, we could offer a faster and safer service," adds Ibrahim Diarra.
3. Training: They wish to benefit from continuing training with the Chamber of Trades to adapt to technological developments in the sector.

The town hall and the Chamber of Trades recognize their essential role and are committed to studying solutions for more suitable spaces and enhanced training. Meanwhile, customers express their confidence: "These young people are fast, efficient, and honest," affirms Aliou Cissé, a regular driver.

Amidst the roar of the machines and the dust of the roads, the young tire repairmen of Séguéla have found their calling. Their often invisible profession is living proof that with willpower and sweat, one can forge one's own dignity and become an indispensable pillar of the community.