Guinea: Former Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana Charged with Money Laundering, Embezzlement, and Corruption
justice minister Alphonse Charles Wright announced that Guinea would prosecute former prime minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana for alleged embezzlement, money laundering, corruption, and complicity. The charges come after an investigation into the misappropriation of over $4 million in public funds.
Allegations Against Fofana
Fofana, who served as prime minister under former President Alpha Conde from May 2018 until September 2021, is currently jailed. He is already under investigation for the possible misappropriation of over $40 million intended for Covid-19 management.
The charges relate to payments of 41 billion Guinean francs (4.5 million euros) and $400,000 made in 2020. In addition to Fofana, a former economic and financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Ansoumane Camara, and several officials of the National Agency for Economic and Social Inclusion (ANIES) are also facing charges.
Current Anti-Corruption Efforts
The military, which took power in September 2021 following a coup, has made fighting corruption one of its major priorities. Fofana is among several former officials being held in this context. In July 2021, then-Attorney General Alphonse Charles Wright announced that Fofana was under investigation for misappropriating $46.2 million intended for Covid-19 relief efforts.
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Ongoing Battle Against Corruption
The outcome of the case against Fofana and other accused individuals will likely be closely watched both domestically and internationally. Guinea’s fight against corruption is an ongoing battle, with corruption being deeply ingrained at various levels of government and business.
No Further Details
No further details regarding the charges against Fofana or the other accused individuals have been made available at this time. The justice ministry’s letter to the attorney general did not provide additional information on the ongoing investigation or the potential sentences for the charges.
Critics’ Perspective
Critics argue that the military’s takeover has not resulted in any significant changes to the deeply entrenched corruption in the country.
Legal Team’s Response
Fofana’s legal team has not issued a statement regarding the charges against him or the investigation. The former prime minister and his team have previously denied any wrongdoing in connection to the Covid-19 relief fund.