Case Studies of Financial Crimes in Guinea: Authorities Urged to Take Concrete Measures to Combat Impunity
Conakry, Paris - 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) have reminded Guinea’s authorities of their commitment to take concrete measures to combat impunity for serious crimes.
Recent Developments
In recent weeks, the Court of Repression of Economic and Financial Offences (CRIEF) has launched several legal actions, including charges against:
- Souleymane Traoré, former director of the Road Maintenance Fund
- Ismaël Dioubaté, former Minister of Budget
- Tibou Camara, former Minister of Industry
The CRIEF has also accelerated efforts to recover buildings in the public domain, targeting properties owned by opposition leaders:
- Cellou Dalein Diallo
- Sidya Touré
Calls for Fair Trial
While welcoming the initiative to fight corruption and clean up public finances, FIDH and its member organisations call on the Guinean authorities to guarantee a fair and equitable trial for those charged.
“The fight against corruption and illicit acquisition of wealth is legitimate and essential… Such results require a fair trial that respects the rights of the defence.” - Drissa Traoré, lawyer and FIDH secretary general
Delayed Justice
However, the organisations also urge the authorities to remember their commitments to combat impunity for serious human rights violations. The 28 September 2009 trial, which was announced to open by the end of March 2022, has been delayed several times, causing frustration among victims who have been waiting for justice for over 12 years.
“The challenges surrounding the organisation of the 28 September trial are considerable… It is essential that the authorities specify a date for this trial as well as a schedule providing details of the various stages.” - Alpha Amadou DS Bah, OGDH vice president and coordinator of the pool of victims’ lawyers in the case
Investigation into the September 28 Case
The investigation into the September 28 case was closed in November 2017 with the referral of 14 alleged perpetrators to court. Since then, nearly 450 victims have been waiting for justice.
International Attention
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been conducting a preliminary examination of the situation and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the 28 September 2009 massacre at the Conakry stadium in Guinea. The ICC investigation is ongoing.