Guinea’s former military government leader, Moussa Dadis Camara, has been recaptured and re-in prison. His lawyer denies that Camara escaped of his own free will but claims he was kidnapped by armed men.The army alleged that the operation aimed to “sabotage” government reforms and pledged its unwavering commitment to the current authorities. Two former officials, including Camara, were taken from the central prison. The prison was secured by military vehicles, and the government assured that the situation was under control. Guinea’s Justice Minister Alphonse Charles Wright confirmed that one of Camara’s escaped allies was captured and borders were closed.
General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura described the operation as an attempt to “sabotage” reforms under Colonel Mamady Doumbouya’s leadership. Camara and about 10 other former military and government officials are accused over a 2009 attack carried out by security forces loyal to the then-military government leader. They face charges of murder, sexual violence, torture, abduction, and kidnapping, with life imprisonment if convicted.
The trial is unprecedented in a country ruled for decades by authoritarian regimes, where people have become used to the impunity of the virtually untouchable security forces. It opened at the urging of Colonel Doumbouya, who promised to rebuild the Guinean state and make justice his “compass.” After his coup, Doumbouya was inaugurated as president and the government has committed to transferring power to elected civilians within two years starting from January 2023.
