The trial of the events of September 28, 2009 in Conakry is progressing, with the conclusion of the hearing of the civil parties. For more than 13 months, the criminal court heard the testimonies of 106 victims, thus making it possible to advance the search for the truth in this tragic case.
For the Guinean Organization for the Defense of Human Rights (OGDH), this step is crucial. Indeed, the accused have so far denied their involvement in these massacres and rapes which cost the lives of at least 157 people and traumatized dozens of women reduced to sexual slavery for several days. The victims’ testimonies made it possible to identify the alleged perpetrators by name, thus strengthening the charges against them.
This step also marks a moment of reparation for the victims. After years of suffering and trauma, testifying in court can be a form of therapy, allowing people to speak out and shed light on the atrocities suffered. For the OGDH, it is important to take this progress into account for the rest of the procedure and to pay particular attention to the testimony of the head of the Kalyah camp, involved in the events.
However, the trial is currently suspended until November 6 and other senior members of the ex-junta have not yet been heard. Among them is Colonel Bienvenu Lamah, also accused of participation in these crimes. The absence of their testimony raises concerns about the search for truth and the outcome of this trial.
The question therefore arises as to whether the judge will decide to hear other officials suspected of having been involved in these massacres before calling the witnesses. There therefore still remain gray areas to be clarified, but the hearing of the victims constitutes a significant step forward in the quest for justice for the events of September 28, 2009 in Conakry.