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Armed assailants have launched an assault on a prison in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, resulting in the unexpected liberation of Moussa Camara, the former head of state.
The attackers reportedly barricaded the path to the city center and executed their meticulously planned assault on the prison at approximately 5 am last Saturday.
Camara, who had been residing in Burkina Faso before his return to Guinea in September 2022 to face trial, was one of three individuals set free during the audacious prison break. However, authorities have since managed to recapture one of the escapees. Notably, all of these fugitives are currently on trial for their alleged involvement in the tragic deaths of over 150 people during a 2009 protest.
In response to the security breach, the country’s borders have been swiftly closed, and a massive manhunt is underway to locate and apprehend the remaining escapees. Guinea’s Justice Minister, Charles Wright, took to local radio to make a public announcement about the escape, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to tracking down the fugitives and holding those responsible accountable.
Gunfire echoed through Conakry just before dawn, causing the city center to be cordoned off, and military vehicles patrolling the streets in a bid to restore order. Among the escapees is Col Claude Pivi, a former government minister accused of being involved in the infamous Conakry stadium murders on September 28, 2009.
It is important to note that Guinea is currently under military rule, with Camara seizing power in 2008 after the passing of President Lansana Conté. He was eventually ousted from office and fled the country in the wake of the Conakry killings and an assassination attempt, making his recent return a significant development.
