Gambiaj.com – (CONAKRY, Guinea) – In a surprising and controversial move, Guinea’s ruling junta leader, General Mamadi Doumbouya, has granted a presidential pardon to former military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara, who was convicted of crimes against humanity in connection with the September 28, 2009 massacre in Conakry. The pardon, attributed to “health reasons,” was announced in a decree read on national television on the evening of Friday, March 28.

The decree, delivered by the presidency spokesperson, General Amara Camara, stated: “On the proposal of the Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice, a presidential pardon is granted to Mr. Moussa Dadis Camara for health reasons.” However, no prior reports had indicated any deterioration in Camara’s health.

Camara, who led Guinea from 2008 to 2009, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, to 20 years in prison for his role in the brutal repression of opposition demonstrators at Conakry’s Grand Stade. At least 156 people were killed, and more than 100 women were raped by security forces under his command, according to an international UN-mandated inquiry. Camara was found guilty on the principle of superior responsibility and for failing to punish those involved.

The former junta leader was arrested in 2022 upon his return from 13 years of exile in Burkina Faso to stand trial. He had been incarcerated in Conakry’s civil prison ever since. His reported “fragile health” had never been mentioned before, raising questions about the real motivations behind the pardon.

The decision to release Camara comes just days after the Guinean authorities announced a decree promising to cover compensation costs for the victims of the 2009 massacre. Despite this pledge, the 400 civil parties involved in the case are still awaiting compensation.

Camara’s pardon has sparked concerns about the junta’s commitment to justice and accountability. Human rights organizations had hailed the trial and conviction as a milestone in Guinea’s history. Now, with Camara serving less than three years behind bars, the move risks undermining efforts to address impunity for past atrocities.

While the decree mandates the Minister of Justice to oversee the pardon’s application, questions remain over whether this decision signals a shift in Guinea’s transitional justice process under General Doumbouya’s leadership.