In the early hours of Saturday, The Herald gathered that heavily armed individuals reportedly stormed Central House prison in Conakry, Guinea, facilitating the escape of the former head of Guinea’s 2008 military junta, Moussa Camara.
Three other high-ranking officers were also liberated in the operation.
The incident, which occurred in the Kaloum administrative district, prompted a heightened security presence throughout Conakry, including military vehicles and special forces on the streets.
Guinea’s Justice Minister, Charles Wright, confirmed the events, stating that the armed men broke into Central House prison at approximately 05:00 GMT.
The escaped individuals are among those on trial for their alleged involvement in a stadium massacre and mass rape during a pro-democracy rally on September 28, 2009, in which 150 people were killed.
Camara, who had served as the country’s junta leader, has maintained his innocence, placing blame on errant soldiers for the atrocities.
The borders of Guinea have been sealed to prevent the escapees from leaving the country.
The situation in Conakry initially became tense after gunshots were heard around 4 a.m. local time, prompting increased security measures.
While the capital had calmed down by late morning, with many soldiers present on the streets, it was clear that some areas remained under tight military control.
Military officer Mamady Doumbouya has governed Guinea since a coup in 2021, making it one of several countries in West and Central Africa to be led by military personnel in recent years, including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Gabon.