The military junta in Guinea has granted a pardon to former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara, who was serving a 20-year sentence for crimes against humanity related to one of the country’s most brutal massacres. The pardon, announced on state TV, was granted for health reasons, though the specific nature of Camara’s health issues remains unclear. In 2009, under Camara’s command, troops opened fire and sexually assaulted civilians during a rally advocating for a return to civilian rule, resulting in the deaths of over 150 people. Following a coup in 2008, which Camara led as an army captain, he eventually fled Guinea but returned in 2022 to stand trial. He and seven other military commanders were convicted in July 2024 after a 22-month trial. The junta has also announced plans to compensate the victims of the massacre, with specific amounts allocated for each category of victimization, including rape, death, disappearance, looting, and torture. The compensation, to be covered by Camara and the other convicted individuals, aims to provide restitution for the victims of the September 2009 massacre, during which tens of thousands gathered to demand that Camara not run in a presidential election. The event turned violent, with security forces using firearms, tear gas, and physical violence against the crowd, leading to widespread casualties and sexual abuse. Following the massacre, Camara fled to Morocco for treatment and later resided in Burkina Faso. The events have had significant implications for Guinea’s political landscape, influencing the transition back to civilian rule and the eventual overthrow of President Alpha Condé in 2021.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c24144pqd3do