News: Guinean authorities searching for Claude Pivi, escaped from prison
This Sunday, February 5, Claude Pivi, a former soldier removed from the army, escaped from prison with the help of an armed commando at the Central House. This escape also allowed the release of his fellow detainees, including former president Moussa Dadis Camara. All are being prosecuted in the trial of the September 28, 2009 massacre in Conakry, which caused the death of more than 150 people and the rape of around a hundred women.
The Guinean authorities did not hesitate to deploy significant resources to find Claude Pivi. Defense and security forces, supported by special forces of the Guinean army, launched a search operation across several neighborhoods of the capital, including Coléah, Mafanco and Madina. Systematic searches were carried out in many concessions, sometimes forcing traders to close their shops.
These neighborhoods are known for their support of former president Alpha Condé, with whom Claude Pivi is said to have worked. Residents are surprised to see such a military deployment in their neighborhood and assume that the authorities are looking for Pivi. Some rumors are circulating, even suggesting a possible mystical protection from which he could benefit, making his capture more difficult.
The spectacular escape of Claude Pivi and his co-detainees led to armed clashes, causing the death of at least nine people. Following these events, the public prosecutor’s office launched proceedings against Moussa Dadis Camara, colonels Moussa Tiegboro Camara and Blaise Gomou, as well as Claude Pivi himself. The charges are broad, ranging from accusations of murder, rape and torture to counts including murder, manslaughter and aiding and abetting.
These legal proceedings raise concerns about the continuation of the trial of the massacre of September 28, 2009. The victims hope that this escape will not compromise the holding of the trial and that justice will be done. The transitional government has also assured that Claude Pivi’s escape would not call into question the proper continuation of procedures.
The trial in question is historic, because it is the first time that a former president and members of his government have been tried for blood crimes. More than a hundred victims have already taken the stand to testify about the violence suffered during the September 2009 massacre. However, the arrest of Claude Pivi remains essential to guarantee the continuation of the trial and the satisfaction of the victims.
Thus, the Guinean authorities are redoubling their efforts to find the fugitive and ensure the smooth running of the trial. The stakes are high, because it involves shedding light on atrocious crimes committed more than ten years ago and bringing a semblance of justice to the victims.. The hunt for Claude Pivi therefore continues with determination, in the hope of bringing him back to justice and closing a painful chapter in Guinean history.