Crystabel Ukwuegbu
Guinea’s ruling military leader, General Mamadi Doumbouya, has issued a presidential pardon for former head of state Moussa Dadis Camara, a move that has stirred debate and raised concerns about justice in the country. Camara, who was convicted of crimes against humanity for his involvement in the 2009 massacre in Conakry, was granted clemency on the basis of “health reasons.” The decision was officially announced in a decree read on national television on Friday.
The announcement, delivered by presidential spokesperson General Amara Camara, stated that the pardon was based on a recommendation from the Minister of Justice. However, there had been no prior reports suggesting that Camara was suffering from health issues, leading to speculation about the true motive behind the decision.
Camara led Guinea from 2008 to 2009 and was found guilty in July 2024 for his role in the violent crackdown on opposition demonstrations at Conakry’s Grand Stade. The attack resulted in the deaths of more than 150 people, while over 100 women suffered sexual violence at the hands of security forces under his regime. A UN-backed investigation concluded that Camara bore responsibility for failing to prevent or punish these crimes.
Having spent over a decade in exile, Camara was detained upon his return to Guinea in 2022. His pardon coincides with a government initiative to provide compensation to victims of the 2009 massacre. Despite this measure, the 400 civil parties involved in the case have yet to receive reparations.
The decision has sparked concerns about Guinea’s dedication to justice and accountability. While human rights advocates initially praised the trial as a significant step toward ending impunity, many now worry that the pardon undermines these efforts. With this unexpected development, questions arise about the direction of Guinea’s transitional justice process under General Doumbouya’s administration.
