A group of armed assailants launched an assault on Guinea’s main prison in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in the escape of the former dictator, Moussa “Dadis” Camara, along with two other detainees, MUK TV can report.
Guinea’s Justice Minister, Charles Alphonse Wright, confirmed the breakout and swiftly declared the closure of the nation’s borders.
The incident unfolded after a series of heavy gunfights rocked the Kaloum district of the capital, Conakry, a few hours earlier.
Joining Camara in their dramatic escape were Claude Pivi and Blaise Goumou, who, like Camara, were held in connection with the harrowing events of a 2009 stadium massacre that claimed the lives of 157 people.
Minister Wright, resolute in the face of this security breach, assured the public, stating, “We will find them. And those responsible will be held accountable,” during an interview with a local Radio station.
It was also noted that one of the escapees, Moussa Tiegboro Camara, has already been recaptured.
Camara’s rise to power occurred through a 2008 coup d’etat following the death of the longtime dictator, Lansana Conte.
His rule was marked by controversy, and he had spent years in exile after surviving an assassination attempt by one of his bodyguards. Camara’s return to Guinea took place in late 2021.
The 2009 stadium massacre resulted from Guinean security forces firing upon peaceful demonstrators who were protesting Camara’s intention to run for president after seizing power.
Guinea’s government had previously sought to deter Camara’s return from exile in Burkina Faso, fearing it might fuel political instability. However, a subsequent coup in September 2021 brought a military junta to power in Guinea that was more receptive to Camara’s homecoming.
Camara provided testimony in court last year, claiming that he was asleep during the early hours of the attack and only became aware of the situation at 11 a.m. when he was informed of the demonstrators’ deaths.
