Guinea’s Odd Rule on Public Transport Seating: No Backward Sitting Allowed

According to local lore and some anecdotal reports, in certain regions of Guinea, a strange rule arose within the public transport systems: passengers were expected not to sit facing the rear of the vehicle. This peculiar custom reportedly originated decades ago when minibuses, known locally as 'Gbakas', became common. The reasoning behind the practice was tied to beliefs about safety and social harmony—sitting backward was thought to bring bad luck or cause discomfort to other riders. While there is no solid evidence to confirm this rule was ever officially codified by transport authorities, many older residents recall being gently reminded by conductors or drivers to turn their seats around. Some suggest this practice reflects broader social norms encouraging conformity and respect for group seating dynamics. Today, the rule is largely forgotten or treated as folklore, but it remains an intriguing example of how unusual customs can shape everyday behavior in unexpected ways. Given the scarcity of formal documentation, this remains more a piece of local lore than a strict legal ordinance.