Former Head of Guinea’s Military Junta Escapes Prison
In a daring escape, Moussa Dadis Camara, the former head of Guinea’s 2008 military junta, was freed from prison by heavily armed men in Conakry early on Saturday. Three other high-ranking officers were also released, according to Justice Minister Charles Wright.
Local residents reported the presence of military vehicles and special forces on the streets of the Guinean capital after gunshots were heard in the Kaloum administrative district, where Camara and others were held at the Central House prison.
Minister Wright confirmed the incident, stating, “It was around 0500 (0500 GMT) that heavily armed men burst into the Central House of Conakry. They managed to leave with four defendants in the trial of the events of Sept. 28, including Captain Moussa Dadis Camara,” during a radio interview. He announced that efforts would be made to locate and apprehend the escapees but refrained from providing further details of the ongoing investigation.
To prevent the escapees from leaving the country, Guinea’s borders have been closed, the minister added.
Camara and others have been on trial since last year for their alleged involvement in a stadium massacre and mass rape carried out by Guinean security forces during a pro-democracy rally on Sept. 28, 2009. The incident resulted in the deaths of 150 people. Camara has consistently denied responsibility for the atrocities, instead blaming errant soldiers.
Residents in the vicinity of Kaloum reported the sound of gunshots around 4 a.m. local time, prompting increased security measures and the closure of the entrance to Kaloum.
By late morning, the capital appeared relatively calm, although the presence of soldiers remained in certain areas, with instructions for residents to remain at home, according to Mmah Camara, a resident of the Tombo district.
Guinea is currently under the rule of military leader Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power following a coup in 2021. Guinea is one of several countries in West and Central Africa that have experienced military takeovers in recent years, including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Gabon.
The escape of Moussa Dadis Camara and the other high-ranking officers underscores the ongoing political challenges faced by Guinea as it strives for stability and a return to democratic governance. The incident also raises questions regarding the country’s security and the effectiveness of its prison system.
Alessandra Prentice reported this article, with editing by Jason Neely, Alexandra Hudson, and Giles Elgood.
Note: This article is in adherence to Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.