Guinea: 28 September 2009 massacre trial resumes
The trial for the 28 September 2009 massacre in Guinea resumed on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, after a one-day strike by defence lawyers.
During Tuesday morning’s hearing, the focus was primarily on General Oumar Sanoh, the Chief of Staff of the armed forces at the time of the events, who appeared as a witness.
While General Sanoh was not facing charges, the defence questioned him. The former Chief of Staff defended himself, stating, «I was told that soldiers had gone to the stadium, I can’t deny that, but I was limited».
According to Sanoh, a portion of the army was beyond his control, as the presidential guard reported directly to the presidency.
Seizing the opportunity, a lawyer challenged him, «So, you’re in your office, Guinea is going up in flames, but you’re never going to do anything about it. You couldn’t save a citizen or arrest a person. Don’t you think, General, that with your inaction, you deserve to be brought before this court? » The president interrupted, stating, «For the moment, he’s a witness».
In a brief hearing the previous day, lawyers explained their boycott of the trial, protesting stringent security measures at the Kaloum central prison after an armed commando attack on 4 November.
The attack led to the release of four defendants, one of whom (Claude Pivi) remains at large, and restricted lawyers’ access to their clients.
The 28 September 2009 massacre resulted in over 150 deaths and more than 100 women being raped during the suppression of an opposition rally.
It remains a disgrace for Africa when leaders resort to massacring their fellow citizens for personal gain.
This trial must proceed to ensure accountability for those responsible.
Neil Camara
