Guinea: General Mamadi Doumbouya grants a presidential pardon to Moussa Dadis Camara
A surprise for the public
On March 28, 2025, in a decree read out on national television, General Mamadi Doumbouya, head of Guinea’s junta, granted a presidential pardon to former Guinean leader Moussa Dadis Camara. Camara, who held power between 2008 and 2009, had been convicted in July 2024 of crimes against humanity, following the September 28, 2009 massacre at Conakry’s Grand Stadium.
Grace for health reasons
The decree, issued by presidential spokesman General Amara Camara, stated that the pardon was granted for health reasons. This decision took public opinion by surprise, especially as Moussa Dadis Camara had never before had his medical condition mentioned.
Background to the conviction
Moussa Dadis Camara was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in July 2024, for his role in the massacre of September 28, 2009, in which over 150 people were killed and several hundred injured. On that day, extreme violence took place against opposition demonstrators in and around Conakry’s stadium. Among the atrocities committed, 109 women were raped.
A heavy judicial past and a return to Guinea after exile
After 13 years in exile in Burkina Faso, Moussa Dadis Camara returned to Guinea in 2022 to attend his trial. The court found him guilty of crimes including murder, sexual violence, torture, kidnapping and sequestration. He has been incarcerated in Conakry’s civil prison since his conviction.
A controversial decision and expectations of reparations
The pardon comes after a conviction widely hailed by human rights activists, but came as a surprise to many observers. Moreover, although the Guinean authorities have announced that they will pay compensation to the victims of the massacre, the 400 civil parties are still waiting for concrete reparations.
Conclusion: a decision with uncertain repercussions
This presidential pardon raises questions about the judicial process in Guinea, especially as Moussa Dadis Camara ‘s fragile state of health had only been reported after his conviction. The measure comes at a time when reparation for victims remains a matter of concern, and could well give rise to new political and social tensions in Guinea.
