Damaro Camara, former President of the National Assembly of Guinea under the Alpha Condé regime, has just been found guilty of embezzlement of public funds and corruption by the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offenses (CRIEF). This decision marks a significant step in the fight against corruption and impunity in Guinea.
The case that led to Damaro Camara’s conviction was closely followed by Guinean citizens, who expressed their indignation at corrupt practices at the highest levels of the State. The CRIEF verdict, which sentenced Damaro Camara to 4 years in prison and a fine of 5 billion Guinean francs, sends a strong signal according to prosecutor Aly Touré.
This conviction is an important step towards establishing the rule of law in Guinea. It underlines the authorities’ determination to fight corruption and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The fact that Damaro Camara received a prison sentence and a substantial fine shows that the Guinean justice system takes economic and financial crimes seriously.
On the defense side, Damaro Camara’s lawyer, Me Lancéi 3 Doumbouya, expressed his frustration with the court’s decision. He contests the accusations of embezzlement and corruption brought against his client and promises to continue the fight on appeal. The debates before the appeal court promise to be intense, with high stakes for all parties involved.
In parallel with Damaro Camara’s conviction, another actor in the case, Michel Kamano, former treasurer of Parliament, was also tried in absentia and sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of 4 billion Guinean francs. An arrest warrant was issued for him, underlining the authorities’ commitment to prosecuting those involved in corruption cases, even in their absence.
This case highlights the persistent challenges facing Guinea in governance and transparency. The conviction of Damaro Camara and his co-defendants, while welcome, raises broader questions about the need to strengthen institutions, combat impunity, and promote a culture of accountability and integrity within the state apparatus.
In conclusion, the conviction of Damaro Camara by CRIEF represents an important step in the fight against corruption in Guinea. It sends a clear message to public and private officials who believe they can act with impunity. However, it also underscores the importance of continuing reforms to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that justice is delivered fairly and impartially for all citizens.