Guinea’s former dictator, Moussa Dadis Camara, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a 2009 massacre, has been pardoned on the grounds of health concerns. This decision was announced by the head of Guinea’s ruling junta, General Mamadi Doumbouya, in a decree read on national television.
The decree, presented by presidential spokesperson General Amara Camara, stated that Camara was granted a presidential pardon upon the proposal of the Minister of Justice due to health reasons.
In 2024, a court convicted Dadis Camara of crimes against humanity for his involvement in the massacre that occurred on September 28, 2009, when government forces killed at least 156 people at an opposition rally. The violence, which involved gunfire, knives, machetes, and bayonets, also left hundreds injured and resulted in widespread sexual violence, including the rape of at least 109 women. The death toll is believed to be much higher, though only 57 bodies have been recovered.
Dadis Camara was sentenced for his “superior responsibility” in ordering the violent crackdown on demonstrators and failing to bring those responsible to justice. Several other officials were also sentenced for their involvement in the massacre.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) had welcomed the verdict, calling it a “landmark moment” for justice.
Following the pardon, Dadis Camara’s brother, Jean Dadis Camara, expressed his joy, saying, “Everyone is happy. We thank the president… it’s the greatest gift for the entire family.” Marcus Olivier Thea, a close friend of the former dictator, also expressed gratitude to President Mamadi Doumbouya for the decision.
Additionally, the junta announced that the victims of the 2009 massacre would receive compensation, ranging from 200 million to 1.5 billion Guinean francs ($23,100 to $173,300), in line with reparations ordered by the court.
These decrees come amid ongoing restrictions on freedoms in Guinea, where the junta, which took power in a 2021 coup, has been cracking down on opposition and curtailing press freedoms.
