The massacre of September 28, 2009 at the Conakry stadium: the chilling testimony of a key witness
As part of the trial of the September 28, 2009 massacre at the Conakry stadium, a key witness is called to the stand to testify about this tragic day. This is the former boss of the gendarmerie, General Ibrahima Baldé. Dressed in a white shirt with large blue and red stripes, the general recounts the events which led to the death of more than 150 people during an opposition meeting.
General Baldé says that his main role during that day was to ensure the security of the gathering. The instructions were clear: prevent gatherings and disperse demonstrators if necessary. However, the crowd was extremely large and the police were quickly overwhelmed. Forced to retreat, the general loses contact with the stadium and does not know what is happening there.
It was after the events, the same evening, that General Baldé was informed of the identity of the perpetrators of the massacre. According to his superiors, these were elements of the presidency, the famous “red berets”. At the gendarmerie headquarters, the general even came across several opposition leaders injured at the stadium, who were being treated in the infirmary under the direction of Toumba, Moussa Dadis Camara’s aide-de-camp and accused in this trial.
This chilling testimony highlights the responsibility of government authorities in this massacre. The victims’ families have been waiting for years for justice to be served, and this trial finally offers an opportunity for truth and healing.
The case was postponed until Monday, December 11, suggesting new testimonies which could further clarify the circumstances of this tragedy. The trial of the September 28, 2009 massacre at the Conakry stadium is a crucial step in the quest for justice for the victims and their families. Let’s hope that the truth finally comes out and the guilty are punished.