Just In: Tension in Guinea as Commandos Storm Prison, Free Former Leader
- The former head of Guinea’s 2008 military junta, Moussa Dadis Camara, has been freed from prison by armed men in Conakry
- The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 4, along with at least two other high-ranking officers
- Heavy gunfire erupted in the Kaloum district of the capital, Conakry, during the daring attack
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9-year-experience covering global issues
Conakry, Guinea - Gunmen stormed the main prison in Guinea's capital early Saturday, November 4, and freed former dictator Moussa “Dadis” Camara.
Charles Wright, the country's justice minister confirmed the attack, according to AFP News.
The announcement by Wright came several hours after heavy gunfire erupted in the Kaloum district of the capital, Conakry, the BBC also reported.
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Ex-Guinea dictator Camara breaks out of prison
Among the others who escaped were Claude Pivi and Blaise Goumou, Wright said. Pivi is a political figure who was accused of massacre. Goumou had also been held alongside Camara and Pivi.
Wright told Radio Fim FM:
“We will find them. And those responsible will be held accountable."
Camara, who came to power in a 2008 coup d’etat, had been detained in connection with a stadium massacre during his brief time in power. He had lived for years in exile after surviving an assassination attempt before returning home in late 2021.
It is understood that Guinea’s borders have been closed to prevent the absconders from fleeing the country.
Legit.ng reports that Guinea is currently under military rule, one of several former French colonies in West and Central Africa that have staged coups in the past three years.
List of African nations under military rule
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the African continent and its history of coup d'états have been like a nut and its shell and are still prevalent even in the present century.
The West African sub-region holds the record for the most military coups since countries in the zone started gaining Independence.
Countries under military rule include The Republic of Chad, The Republic of Niger, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali.
Source: Legit.ng
