Faith Nyasuguta
A court in Guinea has sentenced former Defense Minister Mohamed Diane to five years in prison on charges of corruption, illicit enrichment, embezzlement, and money laundering. Diane, who served under former President Alpha Conde between 2015 and 2021, must also pay a $58.5 million fine. Additionally, his properties in Conakry and Kankan, along with his bank accounts, will be seized by the state.
The judge ruled that Diane failed to justify the source of his wealth. His detention in May 2022 marked the beginning of legal action against him, initiated under a sweeping anti-corruption drive led by Guinea’s military junta. This campaign, launched following the junta’s 2021 coup, aims to address systemic corruption in the country.
The junta, headed by General Mamady Doumbouya, has made tackling corruption a priority. It established a dedicated anti-corruption court and initiated legal proceedings against over 180 individuals by the end of 2022. These include former officials and President Condè himself.
While the crackdown initially gained public approval, critics now argue that the junta is using anti-corruption measures to silence political opponents and delay the promised transition to democracy. Elections and a constitutional referendum, key milestones in this transition, remain unfulfilled, sparking concerns that General Doumbouya may be consolidating power.
Historic Ruling on Stadium Massacre
In a separate case, a Guinean court sentenced former military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara to 20 years in prison in July for crimes against humanity. These charges stem from the September 2009 massacre, one of Guinea’s darkest episodes, where over 156 people were killed at a stadium rally in Conakry.
The rally was organized to demand a return to civilian rule after Camara seized power in a 2008 coup. Troops opened fire on tens of thousands of protesters, resulting in mass killings, injuries, and the rape of scores of women.
Camara fled Guinea after surviving an assassination attempt shortly after the massacre. He returned from exile in 2022 to face charges, which initially included murder, rape, torture, and kidnapping. These were later reclassified as crimes against humanity.
Despite his conviction, Camara denied involvement in the massacre. His lawyer called the ruling politically motivated and announced plans to appeal. Seven of Camara’s commanders were also convicted, while four others were acquitted.
These cases highlight Guinea’s complex struggle with justice and governance amid ongoing efforts to restore stability and democracy.
RELATED:
