Calm has finally returned to Conakry after a day of tension surrounding the escape of four personalities from the central house. Three of them, including former president Dadis Camara, were found and are back in cell. However, Claude Pivi, the junta’s former security minister, remains on the run.
The first elements of the investigation reveal that the escapees benefited from complicity. The authorities therefore decided to take sanctions, in particular by dismissing 75 soldiers, gendarmes and prison officers suspected of complicity. There are also plans to strengthen security measures at the central house.
The day of escape was marked by violence, which led to the death of a doctor and a 6-year-old girl. The exact circumstances of these deaths are not yet clear, but sources indicate that a soldier opened fire on an ambulance which did not comply.
Following these tragic events, the Prime Minister, Bernard Goumou, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and called on the population to remain calm. He also promised that all light would be shed on these events thanks to ongoing investigations.
This escape and the unrest that accompanied it highlight the flaws in the security system in place. Videos have in fact made it possible to trace complicity within the armed forces, which raises questions about the trust that can be placed in these institutions.
The flight of Claude Pivi, alleged leader of the escape commando, also highlights the challenges that the Guinean authorities face in bringing stability to the country. As a former junta security minister and a key player in the 2009 massacre, his capture is essential to advancing justice and ensuring those responsible for these crimes are held accountable.
In conclusion, this escape and the events that accompanied it highlight the security challenges facing Guinea. The complicity within the armed forces, the resulting violence and the flight of an individual suspected of serious crimes highlight the need to strengthen institutions, conduct thorough investigations and ensure justice is served. The Guinean population deserves a climate of security and stability, far from the escapes and violence that marked that day.