(New York, 08 July 2015) – The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, welcomes today’s announcement of the indictment issued against former President of the Republic of Guinea, Moussa Dadis Camara in the context of an ongoing investigation into the events of 28 September 2009.
“I commend the national authorities for exercising ownership, leadership and responsibility over this process which seeks to bring justice to victims of crimes committed during the horrific events which took place Conakry in broad daylight,” said Mrs. Bangura.
“This indictment represents an important step in Guinea’s fight against impunity for the crimes that were perpetrated against unarmed civilians.”
Moussa Dadis Camara was the President of the Republic of Guinea’s National Council for Democracy and Development at the time of the incidents on 28 September 2009. A United Nations-led International Commission of Inquiry found that at least 156 people were killed, at least 109 women and girls raped and subjected to other forms of sexual violence, and more than 1,000 people injured as a result of the events in the stadium and the surrounding areas.
“The only way for Guinea to move forward and to prevent such crimes from being committed again is to confront them in accordance with the law,” Mrs. Bangura added.
In the framework of a Joint Communique between the United Nations and the Government of Guinea signed in November 2011, Special Representative Bangura’s Office through the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law/Sexual Violence in Conflict has been providing technical support to a Panel of Judges established by the Guinean authorities to investigate and prosecute these crimes. With the Team’s support, the Panel has already issued 15 indictments, including against high ranking military officers. This was based on more than 400 hearings, which included 200 victims and witnesses of sexual violence.
“I praise the courage and determination of the Panel of Judges to investigate the crimes committed, as well as the courage of the victims and witnesses to come forward. This would not have happened without their relentless efforts in pursuit of justice.”
The United Nations will continue to support ongoing efforts by the Guinean authorities towards a successful conclusion of the process, including in the areas of protection of victims and witnesses, and reparations.
For further information: More information on the work of the Team of Experts on Guinea, is available on pages 24-27 of the latest annual report of the Team of Experts http://stoprapenow.org/uploads/advocacyresources/1399901202.pdf
For media inquiries, please contact: Paulina Kubiak, Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Communications Officer in New York +1 9173673819 or kubiakp@un.org