On September 28, 2009, in Conakry, Guinea, a harrowing incident unfolded when thousands of demonstrators gathered in the Conakry stadium to protest against the presidential candidacy of Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, who served as both the transitional head of state and the leader of the military junta. Tragically, the peaceful protest turned into a brutal and methodical massacre when military junta soldiers, entrusted with maintaining security, turned against their own people. Soldiers prevented any escape from the stadium, deploying inhumane tactics that included electrocuting perimeter walls to block protesters from climbing over, opening fire on the crowd, and employing knives, bayonets, rifle butts and sexual violence in brutal attacks.
An UN investigation led after the September 28 incident in Guinea revealed the extent of the horrors: at least 157 people were killed or went missing, and 109 women suffered rape, with some forced into sexual slavery in military camps. Several women died from the particularly cruel sexual assaults. Graphic images of these assaults were disseminated on social media, bearing testament to the horrors these women endured. The Commission labelled these events a “crime against humanity”, highlighting their severe nature.
However, the passage of more than a decade has not brought justice for the victims. Those responsible for these heinous crimes remain unpunished, and the survivors continue to grapple with severe trauma. Access to essential medical and psychological support remains limited, and victims of sexual violence often face stigmatisation and ostracisation from their families and communities. This tragedy underscores the critical need for accountability, support for survivors, and international attention to such human rights abuses.
In 2017, Dr. Denis Mukwege and a team from Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo collaborated with the national survivors’ network AVIPA (more information about AVIPA below) and Guinean health personnel to provide holistic care for survivors.
Legal accountability is being pursued on multiple fronts: the International Criminal Court is examining the Conakry violence , and a domestic judge has indicted 15 individuals, including high- ranking military officials. The criminal trial officially commenced in September 2022, 13 years after the massacre. However, progress has been hindered by funding issues, leading to multiple pauses in proceedings. Witnesses, including survivors, have provided crucial testimony, but the trial has faced delays. As a result, the trial went on for almost two years, leaving survivors and their supporters in a state of uncertainty regarding the pursuit of justice and reparations. On July 31 st 2024, the verdict was finally pronounced: former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara and seven other military commanders were found guilty of crimes against humanity. This verdict is an important step for all survivors and victims of the massacres in their fight for justice.
While survivors face daunting challenges, organisations like AVIPA and international collaboration efforts work tirelessly to support and seek justice for them. Guinea’s path to reconciliation and healing remains challenging, but these efforts offer hope to a nation scarred by tragedy.
Association des Victimes, Parents et Amis du 28 septembre 2009 (AVIPA)
On October 5, 2009 the association called “Association des Victimes, Parents et Amis du 28 septembre 2009” (AVIPA) was created. It emerged as a response to the tragic events that unfolded in Conakry, Guinea, on September 28, 2009. AVIPA’s mission is to provide effective support and relief to the victims of these horrific events and their families. To date, AVIPA has registered 736 victims; its main mission is to bring effective relief to the various victims and their families. AVIPA assists the victims in their socio-economic reintegration through dyeing and soap-making groups and provides them with psychological counselling and medical assistance. AVIPA also advocated for the holding of the 28 September 2009 trial.
Website: www.ongavipa.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avipa28/?locale=fr_FR
Email address: ongavipa2809@gmail.com
Phone numbers: +224 669 39 11 85 / +224 622 287691