In a strange atmosphere, between fears and controversies, the historic trial of the former Guinean dictator Moussa Dadis Camara and his co-defendants, tried for the massacre of September 28, 2009, which left at least 156 dead and during which at least 109 women had been raped, was scheduled to reopen on Monday, November 13.
At the request of the prosecution and because of a lawyers’ strike, the hearings were suspended for three weeks, but it is the spectacular escape of the country’s most famous defendants on November 4 that is on everyone’s minds . While around ten military officials of the time are indicted, former president Moussa Dadis Camara, his director of the agency responsible for the fight against organized crime and terrorism, Moussa Tiégboro Camara, the former military prosecutor Blaise Goumou and former security minister Claude Pivi were exfiltrated by an armed commando. If the first three were quickly caught by the police, the fourth is still on the run.
“Claude Pivi has several supporters, he can hide anywhere, especially since he comes from the forest region, which he knows perfectly,” underlines a former political executive of the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution ( FNDC, a coalition of parties, unions and civil society organizations, dissolved in 2022 by the ruling junta): “He is a man of war and power. If he has the opportunity, he will make sure to disrupt the power of President Mamadi Doumbouya. »
Among the victims, the escape of this once feared man arouses concern. “We supported 106 victims, whose hearing phase has ended,” explains Alseny Sall, spokesperson for the Guinean Organization for the Defense of Human and Citizen Rights (OGDH). For those who have been fighting for fourteen years for reparation for the crimes committed in 2009, the resumption of the trial should allow the accused to “give their version of the facts, but the fact that Claude Pivi is still in the wild creates a climate of fear of of insecurity that weighs on the victims.”
Fractures within the army
This escape from the central prison of Conakry, located in the heart of the Kaloum district – where many ministries and the presidency are located – continues to cause controversy in Guinea, while this trial is a major commitment of the president of the transition, Mamadi Doumbouya, since coming to power in 2021 – the former head of special forces had overthrown Alpha Condé, the president he was supposed to protect. In 2022, Moussa Dadis Camara returned from twelve years of exile to face justice and “cleanse his honor”, ??according to those close to him. The trial hearings, which opened a few months later, were followed on national television throughout the country.
The commando operation, which, according to initial information, was led by Verny Pivi, the son of Claude Pivi, raises questions about the effectiveness and unity of the armed forces. The government spokesperson acknowledged that “the commando was able to enter the prison because agents stationed there let them enter.” He cited the involvement of red berets from the Autonomous Battalion of Airborne Troops, members of the Republican Guard, gendarmes and guards.
Authorities have since dismissed 58 officers, soldiers and prison service agents for “gross misconduct” or “failure to serve,” according to a list read in full on Sunday evening on state television. Colonels Claude Pivi, Moussa Tiegboro Camara and Blaise Goumou were dismissed for “misconduct”. Captain Dadis Camara had already resigned from the army. According to the former FNDC official, the November 4 raid “burst internal fractures within the Guinean army.”
The toll shows at least nine deaths (three alleged attackers, four members of the security forces and two occupants of an ambulance, apparently civilians), according to Attorney General Yamoussa Conté, but medical sources speak of around twenty deaths. , notably among the special forces commanded by President Doumbouya.
“Fear conquers all victims”
“We have experienced a trying week, but calm returns to the victims after days of fear, especially among those who testified before the judges with their faces uncovered. » For twelve years, until September 28, 2022 and the start of the trial, Asmaou Diallo, president of the Association of Parents and Friends of the Victims of September 28, 2009 (Apiva), accompanied the victims of 2009. Her son Ali, history professor, had gone to demonstrate against the candidacy of Captain Camara in the presidential election. He has been killed. She still fights tirelessly today to bring those responsible to justice. A “difficult fight”, she judges, and which almost came to nothing on September 4.
Contacted by Le Monde, one of the victims who wishes to remain anonymous, aged 33 at the time of the events, fears for his safety and that of his family: “I need the justice system of my country to protect us, I am confused and the fear spreads to all the other victims with whom I am in contact. Three of the main sponsors are behind bars, but they have a lot of support and these are the people who raped and attacked us. »
“We do not want a minimum trial, without some of the accused,” says Alseny Sall. Even if they benefit from the presumption of innocence, it is important that everyone is present, defends themselves and that in the end, there is a judicial decision that can repair the massacres and atrocities committed on September 28, 2009.” The activist is convinced that through this historic trial, Guinea can set an example in the sub-region. “But the safety of all stakeholders must be guaranteed,” he says.
