Guinea Arrests 100 Soldiers, Begins its Investigation

By Jonathan Ambaye
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa Desk

CONAKRY, Guinea– Just about a week since the attempted assassination of Guinea’s military leader, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, reports have begun to surface surrounding the circumstances of the assassination attempt. On Wednesday, the second-ranking official in Guinea’s military junta, Sekouba Konate, made his first public speech since last week’s shooting. In his speech, Konate addressed a number of issues, primarily those dealing with the current military divide that is said to have been the source of the assassination attempt. In his speech, Konate asks soldier across the country to remain united. He further says, “We are asking for your cohesion, the army is a family.”

Following this speech, a spokesperson for the Guinea junta, Idrissa Cherif told reporters that they believe Frances Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner was involved in a plot to kill Camara. Cherif said, “I wouldn’t say that I am accusing France entirely. I said that certain services were used to make this attempt on Mr. Camara’s life, and the regime ruling the country.” France’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied the allegations and said, “We don’t want to enter into any polemics with anyone in Guinea.”

Just today however, reports surfaced that Guinea made arrests of 100 soldiers as it continues to investigate the shooting of Camara. Government officials say the detained soldiers are allies of presidential guard chief, Lieutenant Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite, who is suspected of being behind last weeks shootings.
While the investigation continues, and Camara continues to heal from his injuries suffered from the attempt on his life, Konate will assume leadership of the country. One anonymous US official has said that the United States sees Konate as one of the better chances of bringing an end to the military divide. The official further said, “We don’t know if Camara will return to power, but in the meantime, we will hold out a hand to Konate. We believe progress can be made with Konate, in the event that Camara doesn’t return.”

For more information please see:


AFP – Guineas New Strongman Urges Army To Discipline – 10 December 2009

BBC – Bernard Kouchner Accused Over Guinea Camara Shooting – 9 December 2009

New York Times – Official Asks Guinea’s Army To Stay United – 9 December 2009

VOA – Guinea Arrests 100 Soldiers – 10 December 2009

Author: Impunity Watch Archive