Guinea: Bribery and Corruption Scandal Rocks Financial Sector
Conakry, Paris - A Call to Action Against Impunity
Despite recent legal actions by the Court of Repression of Economic and Financial Offences (CRIEF), human rights organizations are urging Guinea’s authorities to take concrete measures to combat impunity for serious crimes. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Guinean Organisation for the Defence of Human and Citizen Rights (OGDH), Mêmes droits pour tous (MDT) and the Association of Victims, Relatives and Friends of 28 September 2009 (AVIPA) are calling on the government to accelerate preparations for the trial of high-profile figures embroiled in bribery and corruption cases.
Recent Investigations and Charges
In recent weeks, CRIEF has launched several investigations into embezzlement of public funds, including charges against:
- Former officials Souleymane Traoré, Ismaël Dioubaté, and Tibou Camara
- Opposition leaders Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Touré (targeting properties owned by them)
A Fair and Equitable Trial
While welcoming the efforts to combat corruption, human rights groups are urging the government to ensure a fair and equitable trial for those accused of bribery and corruption. “The fight against corruption is legitimate and essential, but it must not be at the expense of the fight against impunity,” said Drissa Traoré, FIDH secretary general.
The 28 September 2009 Trial
The organisations are also pressing for the rapid organisation of the 28 September 2009 trial, which was announced to open by the end of March 2022. The trial is expected to shed light on human rights abuses and corruption allegations following a massacre at Conakry stadium in Guinea. Over 450 victims have been waiting for justice for more than 12 years.
International Pressure
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been conducting a preliminary examination of the situation, and the Guinean government has made commitments to hold perpetrators accountable. However, the latest discussions on the trial’s organisation have raised concerns about delays and logistical issues. “It is essential that the authorities specify a date for this trial as well as a schedule providing details of the various stages,” said Alpha Amadou DS Bah, OGDH vice president.
A Call to Action
Human rights groups are calling on the Guinean government to ensure that the fight against corruption does not compromise the pursuit of justice and accountability for serious human rights violations. It is essential that the authorities take concrete measures to combat impunity and bring perpetrators to justice, while also ensuring a fair and equitable trial for those accused of bribery and corruption.