In a decision that shook the political scene in Guinea, the Court of Justice sentenced former Minister of Defense Mohamed Diané to five years in prison for corruption, illicit enrichment, embezzlement and money laundering. A case that highlights the crucial challenges of the fight against corruption in the country.
Mohamed Diané, who served as Minister under former President Alpha Condé from 2015 to 2021, was also sentenced to pay a fine of $58.5 million, while his assets in Conakry and Kankan, as well as his bank accounts, will be seized by the State.
The judge’s decision is based on the fact that Diané was unable to justify the origin of his wealth, thus raising troubling questions about the transparency and integrity of public officials in the country. His detention since May 2022 is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign launched by the military junta after the 2021 coup.
Under the leadership of General Mamady Doumbouya, the junta has placed the fight against corruption at the forefront of its agenda, going so far as to create a dedicated anti-corruption court. By the end of 2022, prosecutions had been initiated against more than 180 individuals, including former officials and former President Condé himself.
While the severity of this initial crackdown was praised, there are now criticisms of the junta, accusing it of targeting its political opponents and delaying the long-awaited democratic transition. Promises of elections and a referendum on a new constitution have been slow to materialize, raising concerns that General Doumbouya may use the delay to consolidate his grip on power.
This case highlights the challenges Guinea faces in its quest for transparent and accountable governance. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that the fight against corruption remains a fair and rule-of-law-based process, in order to build a democratic and prosperous future for all Guineans.