A Guinean court has sentenced ex-military leader Moussa Dadis Camara to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity. These charges relate to the 2009 massacre, where over 156 people were killed when troops opened fire at a rally demanding a return to civilian rule.
Camara ascended to power through a coup after the death of long-serving President Lansana Conté in 2008. However, he fled the country after surviving an assassination attempt shortly after the massacre. He returned from exile in Burkina Faso in September 2022 to face charges, maintaining his innocence.
Camara was convicted alongside seven of his military commanders, while four others were acquitted. The massacre occurred when tens of thousands gathered in a Conakry stadium, urging Camara not to run for president. Security forces responded with gunfire, teargas, and brutal force, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, and many women were raped.
Originally charged with murder, rape, torture, and kidnapping, Camara’s charges were reclassified as crimes against humanity. He denied involvement, with his lawyer claiming the ruling was politically driven and indicating plans to appeal.
The 2010 election marked a return to civilian rule, bringing Alpha Condé to the presidency. Condé was ousted in a coup nearly three years ago following protests against his controversial third term.
