Guinea’s former dictator, Moussa Dadis Camara, was recaptured and returned to prison on Saturday, mere hours after MUK TV reported an apparent jailbreak orchestrated by a heavily armed commando set the former junta leader free, as confirmed by both the army and his lawyer.
During the earlier operation, which sparked intense gunfire in the capital, Conakry, at least two other former officials who were on trial alongside Camara in connection with a 2009 massacre during his presidency were also apprehended.
An army spokesperson informed AFP that “Captain Moussa Dadis Camara has been found safe and sound and taken back to prison,” though the circumstances surrounding the capture were not specified.
Jocamey Haba, one of Camara’s lawyers, confirmed that his client was back in custody.
Justice Minister Alphonse Charles Wright earlier disclosed that around 0500 GMT, “heavily armed men” had stormed the prison and “managed to leave with four (prisoners), notably Captain Moussa Dadis Camara,” necessitating the closure of borders.
It remains uncertain whether Camara had voluntarily escaped.
The army regarded the operation as an attempt to “sabotage” government reforms and affirmed its “unwavering commitment” to the prevailing military-led authorities.
According to a judicial source, speaking on condition of anonymity, the masked and heavily armed soldiers who infiltrated Conakry’s central prison declared their intent to “free” Camara upon arrival.
Inside the facility, they seemed to be well-acquainted with the location of his cell.
Expressing concern for his client, Haba told AFP that he believed Camara had been “kidnapped” and his life was “in danger,” emphasizing Camara’s trust in the justice system of his country and his commitment to the ongoing trial.
Justice Minister Wright additionally disclosed that Colonel Moussa Tiegboro Camara, another individual taken from the prison, had since been “recaptured.”
However, Tiegboro Camara’s lawyer insisted that he had managed to escape from what he referred to as his “captors.”
