July 31, 2024 will remain etched in Guinean history as a key date, marking an indisputable turning point in the fight for justice and truth. Indeed, on that day, the High Court of Conakry delivered a verdict described as “historic” in the trial of those accused of the September 28, 2009 massacre. A tragic event that left a heavy toll, with at least 156 people killed during the brutal repression of an opposition rally in a stadium in the capital.
At the heart of this verdict, a blatant judicial truth emerges: the methodical and systematic preparation of this barbaric act. The judges highlighted three major preparatory acts, revealing the dark underbelly of this tragedy. First, the infiltration among the demonstrators of militiamen trained in a camp located in Kaleah, involving careful selection and calculated orchestration. These “Kaleah recruits”, agents of the ruling junta, were recruited and trained specifically to carry out the bloody repression.
The court then highlighted the crucial role of 400 young people supervised within the presidency before the massacre, under the responsibility of the minister responsible for presidential security at the time. Finally, the mobilization of witch doctors orchestrated by a close friend of the government was also highlighted, highlighting the insidious mystical dimension that permeated the tragic events of that fateful day.
The judges pointed out implacable coordination between the various actors in the repression, all directly linked to the presidency. The presidential guard, the special services and the Kaleah militiamen acted in concert, forming a sinister coalition orchestrated by Moussa Dadis Camara, the great organizer of this tragedy. His central role has been established at every stage of the operations, testifying to an undeniable responsibility in the unfolding of events and the loss of innocent lives.
Despite the overwhelming testimonies and overwhelming evidence, gray areas persist. Dadis Camara’s relatives remain indicted, some on the run, leaving doubts about possible impunity. The announced creation of a compensation fund for victims, although commendable, remains an unfulfilled promise? The expectation of moral and material reparations for the victims remains, illustrating the need for impartial and complete justice.
On this day of commemoration of the 15th anniversary of this tragedy, Guinea looks to the future with the hope of justice being served and memory being honored. The historic verdict of July 31, 2024 will remain a crucial milestone in the quest for truth and reconciliation. The fight for the dignity of victims continues unabated, driven by the unwavering desire to build a better future, where justice and memory remain unwavering pillars of Guinean society.