Showing posts with label massacre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label massacre. Show all posts
Thursday, February 09, 2012
[Guinean news] Top govt official charged in 2009 stadium massacre
A Guinean court has charged a top government official for his alleged role in the infamous September 28, 2009 massacre at Conakry's main sports stadium. Colonel Moussa Tiegboro Camara, the current secretary of state in charge of fighting organized crime, faces accusations over the killing of scores of protesters and mass rape of women; he was head of presidential guard at the time. More than 150 people were killed and over 100 women raped, according to Human Rights Watch, and the massacre galvanized opposition to military rule which eventually led to democratic elections in 2010. Observers view it as significant that the case was seized by the Guinean domestic justice system rather than the International Criminal Court.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
[Guinean news] Families of massacre victims banned from gathering
Today, the families of the 157 people killed in Conakry’s 28 September Stadium were banned from gathering or approaching the venue to mark the first anniversary of the massacre.
In a statement read Tuesday on state TV, the Minister of Religious Affairs Mustapha Koutoubou Sanoh asked the families of the victims to mark the date by praying for their loved one at the nearest mosque or church. Implicit in his instructions was the fact that families would not be allowed to march to the stadium, or enter it to place flowers as they had planned, reports the Associated Press.
Military trucks blocked entrances to the stadium and were also stationed at key intersections, the wire service added.
Voice of America noted that a foundation has been set up to keep alive the memory of the victims and to push for accountability for the peretrators.
For its part, Human Rights Watch called for the implementation of long-delayed justice for the stadium massacre.
Additionally, NGOs called for sweeping reforms of the Guinean military.
Meanwhile, there may be another delay in the presidential runoff, now proposed for October 10.
In a statement read Tuesday on state TV, the Minister of Religious Affairs Mustapha Koutoubou Sanoh asked the families of the victims to mark the date by praying for their loved one at the nearest mosque or church. Implicit in his instructions was the fact that families would not be allowed to march to the stadium, or enter it to place flowers as they had planned, reports the Associated Press.
Military trucks blocked entrances to the stadium and were also stationed at key intersections, the wire service added.
Voice of America noted that a foundation has been set up to keep alive the memory of the victims and to push for accountability for the peretrators.
For its part, Human Rights Watch called for the implementation of long-delayed justice for the stadium massacre.
Additionally, NGOs called for sweeping reforms of the Guinean military.
Meanwhile, there may be another delay in the presidential runoff, now proposed for October 10.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
[Guinean news] Sept. 28 massacre, rapes 'premeditated,' 'likely crimes against humanity': HRW
The non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch has issued a report described the Sept. 28 killings in Conakry's main sports' stadium as 'premeditated' and 'likely crimes against humanity.'
HRW came to this conclusion after interviewing 240 victims, witnesses, military personnel, medical staff, humanitarian officials, diplomats, and journalists.
The NGO collected chilling witness accounts describing how members of Guinea's security forces burst into the stadium and opened fire on tens of thousands of opposition supporters who had gathered to demand a return to civilian rule... Witnesses described how bodies were strewn across the field, crushed against half-opened gates, and draped over walls. Others told how the panicked demonstrators were gunned down as they tried to scale the stadium walls; shot point blank after being caught hiding in tunnels, bathrooms, and under seats; and mowed down after being drawn out by soldiers who were pretending to offer safe passage.
"The serious abuses carried out in Guinea on September 28 were clearly not the actions of a group of rogue, undisciplined soldiers, as the Guinean government contends," said Peter Bouckaert, Emergencies director at Human Rights Watch. "They were premeditated, and top-level leaders must at the very least have been aware of what was being planned, our investigation shows."
-The HRW summary is here
-The full report can be accessed here
HRW came to this conclusion after interviewing 240 victims, witnesses, military personnel, medical staff, humanitarian officials, diplomats, and journalists.
The NGO collected chilling witness accounts describing how members of Guinea's security forces burst into the stadium and opened fire on tens of thousands of opposition supporters who had gathered to demand a return to civilian rule... Witnesses described how bodies were strewn across the field, crushed against half-opened gates, and draped over walls. Others told how the panicked demonstrators were gunned down as they tried to scale the stadium walls; shot point blank after being caught hiding in tunnels, bathrooms, and under seats; and mowed down after being drawn out by soldiers who were pretending to offer safe passage.
"The serious abuses carried out in Guinea on September 28 were clearly not the actions of a group of rogue, undisciplined soldiers, as the Guinean government contends," said Peter Bouckaert, Emergencies director at Human Rights Watch. "They were premeditated, and top-level leaders must at the very least have been aware of what was being planned, our investigation shows."
-The HRW summary is here
-The full report can be accessed here
Monday, November 02, 2009
[Guinean news] Sept. 28 massacre was 'premeditated': HRW
Just a reminder that readers are encouraged to subscribe to Friends of Guinea's Twitter feed. Just go to and follow:
twitter.com/friendsofguinea
I post there links to news articles and columns related to the Guinea, Peace Corps and other stories that may be of interest to FOG members. Since I am usually just re-posting what I've found elsewhere, the Twitter feed gets updated more often than this blog, several times a week (But don't worry, any updates to this blog are also posted there).
One of the most prominent stories since the infamous Sept. 28 massacre was a report by Human Rights Watch (found here) which concluded that the massacre was in fact premeditated.
This is in stark contrast to claims by junta leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara that the killings were committed by out-of-control elements of the army and presidential guards and were not indicative of anything systematic. Dadis also claimed that the actions were in response to "provocation" by demonstrators protesting his decision to run in next January's presidential election.
HRW wrote that it found that members of the Presidential Guard carried out a premeditated massacre of at least 150 people on September 28 and brutally raped dozens of women. Red berets shot at opposition supporters until they ran out of bullets, then continued to kill with bayonets and knives.
The Africa director of HRW said, "Security forces surrounded and blockaded the stadium, then stormed in and fired at protesters in cold blood until they ran out of bullets. They carried out grisly gang rapes and murders of women in full sight of the commanders. That’s no accident."
HRW also discounted claims that the massacre was provoked.
Witness accounts and video evidence obtained by Human Rights Watch showing the stadium crowd just before the shooting shows a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere with opposition supporters singing, dancing, marching around the stadium with posters and the Guinean flag, and even praying.
Human Rights Watch has not seen any evidence that any opposition supporters were armed, and no security officials were wounded by opposition supporters at the stadium, suggesting that there was no legitimate threat posed by the opposition supporters that required the violence that followed.
Witnesses said that as soon as the Presidential Guard entered the stadium, its members began firing point-blank directly into the massive crowd of protesters, killing dozens and sowing panic.
The NGO also warned of an ethnic nature behind the killings, noting that majority of the victims were from the Peuhl ethnic group, which is almost exclusively Muslim, while most of the commanders at the stadium – and indeed key members of the ruling CNDD, including Camara, the coup leader – belong to ethnic groups from the southeastern forest region, which are largely Christian or animist.
twitter.com/friendsofguinea
I post there links to news articles and columns related to the Guinea, Peace Corps and other stories that may be of interest to FOG members. Since I am usually just re-posting what I've found elsewhere, the Twitter feed gets updated more often than this blog, several times a week (But don't worry, any updates to this blog are also posted there).
One of the most prominent stories since the infamous Sept. 28 massacre was a report by Human Rights Watch (found here) which concluded that the massacre was in fact premeditated.
This is in stark contrast to claims by junta leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara that the killings were committed by out-of-control elements of the army and presidential guards and were not indicative of anything systematic. Dadis also claimed that the actions were in response to "provocation" by demonstrators protesting his decision to run in next January's presidential election.
HRW wrote that it found that members of the Presidential Guard carried out a premeditated massacre of at least 150 people on September 28 and brutally raped dozens of women. Red berets shot at opposition supporters until they ran out of bullets, then continued to kill with bayonets and knives.
The Africa director of HRW said, "Security forces surrounded and blockaded the stadium, then stormed in and fired at protesters in cold blood until they ran out of bullets. They carried out grisly gang rapes and murders of women in full sight of the commanders. That’s no accident."
HRW also discounted claims that the massacre was provoked.
Witness accounts and video evidence obtained by Human Rights Watch showing the stadium crowd just before the shooting shows a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere with opposition supporters singing, dancing, marching around the stadium with posters and the Guinean flag, and even praying.
Human Rights Watch has not seen any evidence that any opposition supporters were armed, and no security officials were wounded by opposition supporters at the stadium, suggesting that there was no legitimate threat posed by the opposition supporters that required the violence that followed.
Witnesses said that as soon as the Presidential Guard entered the stadium, its members began firing point-blank directly into the massive crowd of protesters, killing dozens and sowing panic.
The NGO also warned of an ethnic nature behind the killings, noting that majority of the victims were from the Peuhl ethnic group, which is almost exclusively Muslim, while most of the commanders at the stadium – and indeed key members of the ruling CNDD, including Camara, the coup leader – belong to ethnic groups from the southeastern forest region, which are largely Christian or animist.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
[Guinean news] General strike paralyzes Conakry; PCVs evacuated; EU calls for Dadis to be tried
Earlier this week, two-day general strike paralyzed Conakry. Thousands of residents of the capital stayed home to protest the junta's massacre of an estimated 187 peaceful protesters on September 28.
The junta's agriculture minister resigned in protest of the killings.
Guinéenews reports that one of its journalists as well as other journalists are regularly receiving death threats by the "security" forces.
Reuters reports that out-of-control soldiers are seen as the biggest source of instability in the country. The wire service also reported on internal tensions within the junta which make head of state Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara vulnerable to a 'palace coup.' They also mentioned accusations that foreign fighters were involved in the repression on demonstrators. The Nigeria Guardian has a story on divisions within the military.
ABC mentions fears that widespread rape and sexual violence by Guinean soldiers could destabilize the entire West African region (warning: contains graphic images).
The Peace Corps has confirmed that Guinea PCVs have been evacuated to Bamako, the capital of neighboring Mali. Families of volunteers are encouraged to contact Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services with any questions or concerns they may have. The Office of Special Services maintains a 24-hour a day, 7 days a week duty system, and can be reached at 800.424.8580 ( select 2, then 1, then ext. 1470 ) or 202.692.1470.
The public radio program The World did a segment on the reactions of Guineans living in New York City to the violence back home.
The European Union has called for Capt. Dadis to stand trial for crimes against humanity for last months' killings.
Reminder: more regular and extensive news updates and additional stories can be found via Friends of Guinea's Twitter feed. Just go to twitter.com/friendsofguinea and subscribe.
The junta's agriculture minister resigned in protest of the killings.
Guinéenews reports that one of its journalists as well as other journalists are regularly receiving death threats by the "security" forces.
Reuters reports that out-of-control soldiers are seen as the biggest source of instability in the country. The wire service also reported on internal tensions within the junta which make head of state Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara vulnerable to a 'palace coup.' They also mentioned accusations that foreign fighters were involved in the repression on demonstrators. The Nigeria Guardian has a story on divisions within the military.
ABC mentions fears that widespread rape and sexual violence by Guinean soldiers could destabilize the entire West African region (warning: contains graphic images).
The Peace Corps has confirmed that Guinea PCVs have been evacuated to Bamako, the capital of neighboring Mali. Families of volunteers are encouraged to contact Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services with any questions or concerns they may have. The Office of Special Services maintains a 24-hour a day, 7 days a week duty system, and can be reached at 800.424.8580 ( select 2, then 1, then ext. 1470 ) or 202.692.1470.
The public radio program The World did a segment on the reactions of Guineans living in New York City to the violence back home.
The European Union has called for Capt. Dadis to stand trial for crimes against humanity for last months' killings.
Reminder: more regular and extensive news updates and additional stories can be found via Friends of Guinea's Twitter feed. Just go to twitter.com/friendsofguinea and subscribe.
Monday, October 05, 2009
[Guinean news] Update on the situation in Guinea
Events are moving so quickly in Guinea that it's hard to keep up, but below are links to various news articles about and international reaction to the evolving situation in the country following the September 28 massacre that is now believed to have killed 187 people.
-Foreign gunmen helped Guinea crackdown (Reuters)
-Scuffles break out at new Guinea anti-junta demo (AFP)
-Thousands identify Guinea bodies (BBC)
-International inquiry needed into violence by Guinea security forces(Amnesty International)
-Guinean junta leader calls for UN investigation (Radio Netherlands)
-UN Security Council condemns Guinea repression, deaths (DPA)
-CNDD junta condemns September 28 deaths (Guinéenews - in French)
-Guinea junta calls for national unity government (Reuters)
-Guinea opposition rejects unity government after bloodbath (DPA)
-Guinean refugees heading toward Mali (Maliweb - in French)
-Guinean soldiers accused of raping women with rifle butts (AP)
-Civil society reactions to junta leader’s declarations (MISNA)
-West African regional grouping names Burkina Faso leader as facilitator (AFP)
-[Video] Guinean soldiers firing on crowd (UK Guardian) (WARNING: contains graphic images)
-[Audio] Guinea violence (BBC World Service Analysis program)
-Guinea leader vows to hold election despite bloody protest (The Day)
-France's [foreign minister Bernard] Kouchner Urges International Intervention in Guinea (Bloomberg)
-Guinea people opposed to peacekeepers, claims junta chief (AFP)
-Guinea leader claims 'no responsibility' in bloodbath (AFP)
-Dadis admits, "To say that I control this army would be demagogy." (France 24)
-Foreign gunmen helped Guinea crackdown (Reuters)
-Scuffles break out at new Guinea anti-junta demo (AFP)
-Thousands identify Guinea bodies (BBC)
-International inquiry needed into violence by Guinea security forces(Amnesty International)
-Guinean junta leader calls for UN investigation (Radio Netherlands)
-UN Security Council condemns Guinea repression, deaths (DPA)
-CNDD junta condemns September 28 deaths (Guinéenews - in French)
-Guinea junta calls for national unity government (Reuters)
-Guinea opposition rejects unity government after bloodbath (DPA)
-Guinean refugees heading toward Mali (Maliweb - in French)
-Guinean soldiers accused of raping women with rifle butts (AP)
-Civil society reactions to junta leader’s declarations (MISNA)
-West African regional grouping names Burkina Faso leader as facilitator (AFP)
-[Video] Guinean soldiers firing on crowd (UK Guardian) (WARNING: contains graphic images)
-[Audio] Guinea violence (BBC World Service Analysis program)
-Guinea leader vows to hold election despite bloody protest (The Day)
-France's [foreign minister Bernard] Kouchner Urges International Intervention in Guinea (Bloomberg)
-Guinea people opposed to peacekeepers, claims junta chief (AFP)
-Guinea leader claims 'no responsibility' in bloodbath (AFP)
-Dadis admits, "To say that I control this army would be demagogy." (France 24)
Sunday, October 04, 2009
[RPCV news] Guinea Solidarité Facebook page and website
A Facebook page has been started to "in support of the Guinean people and of an end to military rule and dictatorship and a beginning of freedom and prosperity."
It noted: On September 28, 2009, the Guinean military brutally cracked down on the unarmed population protesting military rule and junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara's likely candidature for president. By many accounts at least 200 people were killed and women and girls viciously raped in the capital city of Conakry that day.
This group has been formed in response to these atrocities as a show of solidarity with people in Guinea and to serve as a forum for organizing in support of a transition to the democracy that has eluded Guinea for the past 51 years of independence.
The Facebook page can be accessed here.
They've also launched a web site, which can be found at: http://guineasolidarite.wordpress.com/
It noted: On September 28, 2009, the Guinean military brutally cracked down on the unarmed population protesting military rule and junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara's likely candidature for president. By many accounts at least 200 people were killed and women and girls viciously raped in the capital city of Conakry that day.
This group has been formed in response to these atrocities as a show of solidarity with people in Guinea and to serve as a forum for organizing in support of a transition to the democracy that has eluded Guinea for the past 51 years of independence.
The Facebook page can be accessed here.
They've also launched a web site, which can be found at: http://guineasolidarite.wordpress.com/
Monday, September 28, 2009
[Guinean news] As many as 87 (120+?) dead after security forces attack anti-Dadis march
Initial optimism about the new regime has faded dramatically ever since junta leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara reneged on a promise to not participate in presidential elections scheduled for January 31.
A new political party, the Rally for the Defense of the Republic, was formed to back the military leader's candidacy. After Dadis, who unilaterally declared himself president following the death of Gen. Lansana Conté, broke his pledge not to run for the chief executive, the African Union imposed sanctions on Guinea.
Anti-Dadis has been rising ever since the coup leader's electoral ambitions became clear. He was met by huge protests when he visited Labé, the country's second largest city. And when the opposition tried to organize a rally against the regime, the junta banned it.
When the demonstration proceeded anyway, the "security" forces fired live ammunition at the crowd, reportedly killing dozens of demonstrators.
"It's butchery! There are dozens of dead," a Conakry doctor told the French news agency AFP.
Some media outlets reporting the death total as high as 87.
Another Conakry doctor told the IRIN news agency that there were 'hundreds' of injuries from bullets and beatings.
The massacre occurred on the 51st anniversary of the referendum in which Guineans voted for independence from France.
Update: Al-Jazeera reports that opposition leader and former prime minister Cellou Dalien Diallo and several other politicians were thrown in jail. A source indicated to me that Diallo was also shot during the protests. New reports suggest the death toll now exceeds 120.
A new political party, the Rally for the Defense of the Republic, was formed to back the military leader's candidacy. After Dadis, who unilaterally declared himself president following the death of Gen. Lansana Conté, broke his pledge not to run for the chief executive, the African Union imposed sanctions on Guinea.
Anti-Dadis has been rising ever since the coup leader's electoral ambitions became clear. He was met by huge protests when he visited Labé, the country's second largest city. And when the opposition tried to organize a rally against the regime, the junta banned it.
When the demonstration proceeded anyway, the "security" forces fired live ammunition at the crowd, reportedly killing dozens of demonstrators.
"It's butchery! There are dozens of dead," a Conakry doctor told the French news agency AFP.
Some media outlets reporting the death total as high as 87.
Another Conakry doctor told the IRIN news agency that there were 'hundreds' of injuries from bullets and beatings.
The massacre occurred on the 51st anniversary of the referendum in which Guineans voted for independence from France.
Update: Al-Jazeera reports that opposition leader and former prime minister Cellou Dalien Diallo and several other politicians were thrown in jail. A source indicated to me that Diallo was also shot during the protests. New reports suggest the death toll now exceeds 120.
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