By Sabiu Abdullahi
Gunmen stormed the main prison in Conakry, Guinea’s capital, leading to the escape of 2008 coup leader Moussa “Dadis” Camara, along with military figures Claude Pivi and Blaise Goumou.
The incident was confirmed by Guinea’s justice minister, Charles Wright, during a broadcast on local Radio Fim FM.
Eyewitnesses reported that Conakry was sealed off, with gunfire echoing near the city’s administrative heart.
The escape occurred in Kaloum, the political and administrative center of Conakry, housing the presidential palace and other official buildings.
Camara, the former head of the 2008 military junta, was on trial for his involvement in a 2009 massacre where at least 157 people were killed.
The massacre took place at Conakry’s stadium, where tens of thousands had gathered to protest against Camara’s presidential candidacy.
Security forces opened fire on the crowd, resulting in the tragic loss of lives. Guinea’s justice minister, Charles Wright, assured the public, “We will find them. And those responsible will be held accountable,” emphasizing the government’s determination to bring the fugitives to justice.
This incident adds to the concerning trend in the region, as Guinea becomes the latest among eight Western and Central African countries to experience a military coup in the past three years.
The situation remains tense in Conakry, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate the escaped prisoners and restore calm to the city.