Guinea Pardons Moussa Dadis Camara for Massacre

Guinea’s Junta Leader Pardons Moussa Dadis Camara Over 2009 Stadium Massacre

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Guinea’s transitional military government has officially pardoned former junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara, who had been convicted of crimes against humanity for his involvement in the 2009 stadium massacre that left over 150 people dead. The decision, attributed to “health reasons,” was announced late Friday via a decree read on national television.

Camara, who took power through a military coup in 2008, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, to 20 years in prison for his role in the massacre during a pro-democracy rally held in Conakry’s main stadium. Tens of thousands had gathered on September 28, 2009, to protest against Camara’s suspected intentions to run for president. What followed was one of the most brutal crackdowns in Guinea's recent history.

Security forces stormed the stadium, deploying tear gas and opening fire on the crowd. Protesters were shot, beaten, stabbed, and trampled in the ensuing chaos. During the court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that at least a dozen women were raped by members of the security forces.

Camara, now 61, was convicted along with seven other senior military officials, all found guilty of orchestrating or facilitating the violence.

In a further development, Guinea’s current military government, led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya—who himself came to power in a 2021 coup—announced it would fulfill the compensation orders issued by the court. The reparations include at least $2 million to survivors of sexual violence and $18 million to families of those killed or reported missing, according to figures compiled by Reuters.

The mass pardon has raised significant questions regarding justice and accountability in the West African nation, which continues to navigate a fragile post-conflict transition under military rule.