Guinea Junta Commission Blames Diakite for Massacre

By Jennifer M. Haralambides
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

CONAKRY, Guinea - On Tuesday, a Guinean investigative commission blamed renegade solder, Lieutenant "Toumba" Diakite, for the deaths of dozens of opposition protesters. 

 Initially a United Nations (UN) inquiry accused military leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara of responsibility for the killings.   However, prosecutor Siriman Kouyate, head of the Guinean commission of inquiry, has now laid the blame on Dikate.   

Following last year's September 28th massacre, Dikate was accused of attempting to assassinate Captain Camara.  Dikate has been in hiding since the shooting, and previously told French radio that he shot Camara because he feared the military leader was trying to blame him for the killings.

Human rights groups say that at least 157 activists were killed and dozens of women were raped during the massacre.  The violence ensued after a pro-democracy rally that took place at a football stadium.

Siriman Kouyate has expressed that Diakite should face justice because he had disobeyed direct orders that the army should stay in the barracks during the rally.  He has also stated that the previously accused Camara was responsible for nothing.  Captain Camara is currently in Burkina Faso recuperating from the shooting. 

"It has been established that the president did not go to the stadium," said Kouyate. 

The Guinea commission has also called for amnesty for the opposition leaders who brought together the pro-democracy rally on September 28th.   These leaders include veteran opposition leader Jean-Marie Dore, who was sworn in as prime minister last month.

AFP - Guinea Commission Absolves Junta Chief - 2 February 2010

BBC - Guinea Junta Blames Toumba Diakte for Massacre - 2 February 2010

Washington Post - Guinean Commission Report Casts Blame for Massacre - 2 February 2010