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Latest update: 17/12/2009
- Guinea Conakry - human rights - Moussa Dadis Camara
Damning report on opposition bloodbath points finger at junta
Human Rights Watch has released an extensive report on the massacre of Guinean opposition supporters on September 28. The NGO blames both junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara and his would-be assassin for the violence.
By FRANCE 24 (text)
Human Rights Watch (HRW) released an extensive report Thursday on the Sept. 28 massacre of opposition supporters in a stadium in Guinea's capital, Conakry. The report, widely expected to be mirrored by a forthcoming UN investigative report, accuses both military junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara and his former aide-turned-foe Aboubacar “Toumba” Diakite of crimes against humanity.
Co-author Peter Bouckaert told FRANCE 24: “The report re-states with more proof and detail what our previous findings in October already revealed". Namely, "that the September 28 violence was organised and pre-meditated”.
That day, members of the military and of Camara's personal guard opened fire on opposition supporters gathered inside a stadium in Conakry, the Guinean capital. The report estimates that between 150 and 200 people were killed, while dozens of women were raped and beaten by soldiers.
“The report not only sheds light on the extent of the violence committed, but on the widespread cover-up that followed”, argued Bouckaert. The report's author said the violence “was not the result of authorities trying to disperse protesters", adding that the soldiers marched on the stadium, locked its gates and opened fire with one clear
intent: "to kill".
Blame game
Junta leader Camara has denied responsibility for the bloodbath, saying he did not control all elements of the Guinean army. But the HRW report puts him among a list of five Guinean officials who allegedly organised and ordered the massacre.
These include Camara's former aide-de-camp, Diakite, who opened fire on his boss on Dec. 3 and has since been on the run.
In an interview with French radio station RFI on Thursday, Diakite, who is often referred to by his nickname "Toumba", denied he was involved in the Sept. 28 massacre and lay the responsibility squarely on Camara's shoulders.
Diakite admitted he had tried to kill his former boss, who is now in intensive car in a Moroccan hospital, claiming Camara had sought to blame him for the massacre.
Camara's aides say their leader is recovering well. But he has not spoken in public since the assassination attempt, leading many to suggest he might be incapacitated.
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(9) Reactions
france pushing problem in Guinea
france always breaing problem to africa
Former French Afro colonies' plight.....
What has France got to show for her former colonies in terms of development/education? Nothing but scare and shame. France should stop meddling in Guinea's internal affairs like a colonial school master. What did France do for Guinea since independence in 10/1958 to date? As long as capt. Camara stays true to his principles and honesty, Guinea will come off better like Ghana did under Rawlings. Africans world over must resist the racist kounchener of France's unnecessary interference in Guinea's internal affairs. Is France not ashamed of her colonial past and the poverty levels it sunk her former colonies in Africa to? See what has become of Britain's former colonies; Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana; just to mention a few. Shut up France over Guinea and leave that country alone. They will overcome, just as Ghana has positioned herself in a better situation. Guinea must learn from Ghana and Cuba. And now the latest to join chorus of take them to "Hague trial" is Canada. What is Canada doing in Southern Sudan when the muslim north is killing fellow citizens of that country? Africa will not and i REPEAT, NOT allowed herself to be recolonized by foreign forces. We will resist with all our might.
taping mistake
Who is in intesive care and not car
quality
good quality news
Guinea Rep
Hello I wish the new interin President of Guine Sekoubee Konate will think twice and bring democracy to Guinea,bu handing power and conducting a dempcratic election,Lets the people chose there leaders,And Militry goes back and stay in Barracks,Not to kill innocents people for nothing,Let then loved the country and the people.
When could African Militry
When could African Militry Learn to protect civilians,Not to kill innocents people for jsut a singel person,I wish the Interim President will have Love for Guinea and its Citizens and give chance to Democracy,So That his name will appear in the History Book Some One who brought Democracy to Guinea and to help people lived in peace and a secure place,I wish he will think about and do the wright thing.
rogor xar
rogor xar
please plesae please bring
please plesae please bring those guy to the court
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