Guinea junta chief pardon of ex-leader praised in Conakry as step toward 'national reconciliation'

Record ID: 1986662

  • Title: Guinea junta chief pardon of ex-leader praised in Conakry as step toward 'national reconciliation'
  • Date: 29th March 2025
  • Summary: BANGKOK, THAILAND (MARCH 29, 2025) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF RESCUE WORKERS GATHERING AT THE SITE OF COLLAPSED BUILDING BEFORE START OF OPERATIONS EXCAVATOR MOVING DEBRIS FROM RUBBLE CRANE TRUCK MOVING, RUBBLE OF COLLAPSED BUILDING BEHIND CRANE TRUCK AND FIRE TRUCK AT SITE OF COLLAPSED BUILDING CRANE TRUCK AND EXCAVATOR OPERATING WORKER ATTACHING CABLES TO CRANE VARIOUS OF CRAN
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords: 2009 Africa Camara Dadis Guinea Massacre September 28 West junta
  • Location: CONAKRY, GUINEA
  • City: CONAKRY, GUINEA
  • Country: Guinea
  • Topics: Africa,Crime/Law/Justice
  • Reuters ID: LVA002272129032025RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Following the pardon of former military leader Moussa Dadis Camara, a wave of cautious optimism washed over downtown Conakry on Friday (March 29).
    The pardon, announced on state television late Friday, was seen by some locals as a significant step towards national reconciliation.
    "The victims were satisfied with the conviction, but there is a pardon because he is a former president, a head of state, a former head of state. Especially because of his health condition, I think President Doumia and his advisers analyzed it well. I think this is something that is part of national reconciliation,” said Mamady Keita, a resident of Conakry.
    Camara, who seized power in a 2008 coup, was convicted on July 31, 2024, for his role in the 2009 stadium massacre that occurred during a pro-democracy rally. On the day, security forces responded to mass protests against Camara's potential candidacy in the upcoming presidential election with violence, leading to a massacre. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity.
    On March 27, Guinea’s military government, now led by Mamady Doumbouya following his 2021 coup, announced plans to pay compensation ordered by the court. Reuters calculations suggest that the payout could amount to at least $2 million for rape victims and $18 million for the families of those killed or missing.
    The controversial pardon, granted for "health reasons", has ignited both support and debate in a nation still divided over its tumultuous political past. Many locals, however, see forgiving past transgressions as a necessary step towards a more peaceful future.
    (Production: Souleymane Camara, Ngouda Dione)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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