Guinea: Stadium massacre trial begins

The long awaited trial of those thought to be responsible for the killings and raping of more than 150 people at Guinea’s national stadium during a political protest began on Tuesday 28th September 2022. Former President and Junta leader Mousssa Dadis Camara, Col Jabbie, Col Tiegboro Camara, Claude Pivi and seven other officials appeared in court to face trial over the 2009 massacre.

From top, former junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara and other accused officials

According to Guinea’s Prosecutor General, the 11 men have been indicted for their responsibility in the killing of more than 150 people and raping of more than 100 women in the capital Conakry. In September 2009, more than 30 thousand opposition and pro-democracy protesters walked into the stadium to pressure Dadis Camara who had taken power in a military coup in 2008 not to stand for election. Camaras staged the coup after the death of long term President Lansana Conte.

Former junta leader, Moussa Dadis Camara

Many of the people that survived the massacre have spoken of their trauma as some victims were shot at close range and women being raped by security forces. For more than a decade, victims have been waiting for justice but Alpha Conde’s former regime delayed the process. However, after last year’s coup, the current military junta led by Col Mamadi Doumbouya gave the green light for the trial to go ahead.

Current junta leader Mamadi Doumbouya

Camara, who was in exile in Burkina Faso following an attempted assassination and his removal in 2009, returned to Guinea last week to face trial and according to his loyal supporters, to clear his name. Camara and four other officials were interviewed by the prosecutor on Tuesday and were later detained at Conakry’s Maison Central Prison. On Wednesday, they appeared in court only to hear the charges read to them and were later returned to prison as the trial was adjourned to Tuesday, 4th October 2022.