ICC Deputy Prosecutor Wraps Up Fourth Guinea Visit
The Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mame Mandiaye Niang, has concluded his fourth official visit to the Republic of Guinea, from 19 to 21 May 2025. Deputy Prosecutor Niang met with Guinean high officials, the Dean of the Guinea Bar Association, victims and civil society organisations, United Nations representatives and international partners to assess the progress of domestic criminal proceedings conducted in relation to the 28 September 2009 events at the national stadium in Conakry.
The principal objectives of the mission were to discuss the granting of a presidential pardon to former President Moussa Dadis Camara and the willingness of the authorities to pursue their accountability efforts with respect to the 28 September 2009 events, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Office of the Prosecutor and the Republic of Guinea on 28 September 2022.
During his meetings with His Excellency Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and Minister of Justice and Human Rights Mr. Yaya Kaïraba Kaba, Deputy Prosecutor Niang expressed concern that the premature pardon granted to former President Camara could seriously undermine Guinea’s efforts in its fight against impunity. The former President is one of the key figures responsible for the crimes committed in the events of 28 September 2009, was detained on 27 September 2022, and sentenced to 20 years in prison on 31 July 2024 by the Dixinn Court in Conakry. The pardon resulted in his immediate release on 28 March 2025.
“Today, victims are discouraged by the pardon and fear that it is only a prelude to similar acts. In accordance with Guinea’s commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding, to render effective justice for the crimes committed, it is essential that the appeal process in the main trial, as well as the judicial proceedings against other alleged perpetrators of crimes related to the events of 28 September 2009, are carried through to their conclusion,” Deputy Prosecutor Niang said.
While the issuance of pardons can be a prerogative of States under national law, the Deputy Prosecutor noted that such pardons for crimes against humanity may raise questions about the given State’s commitment to ensure accountability, and could be contrary to the State’s obligation under international law to investigate and punish international crimes.
During the 28 September 2009 events, between 156 and 200 people were allegedly killed or disappeared, and at least 109 women were raped or subjected to other forms of sexual violence. The Office had cited the opening of the domestic trial in 2022 as a milestone and example for complementarity, and last year welcomed the conviction of former President Camara and other perpetrators for crimes against humanity. In September 2022, ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC closed the preliminary examination into the Situation in Guinea based on an assessment that national authorities were not inactive, unwilling or unable to investigate and prosecute alleged Rome Statute crimes committed in the Conakry stadium.
In his meetings with Guinea’s highest authorities, Deputy Prosecutor Niang welcomed the presidential decree on reparations, and encouraged the authorities to continue to devote all efforts to address victims’ needs in terms of their participation at all stages in the proceedings, their protection and reparations. The Deputy Prosecutor also discussed with authorities the importance of memorialising the events and the accountability efforts, and how the Office could contribute to related activities and programs, including by handing over the Office’s archives on the situation.
Besides meeting government officials, the Deputy Prosecutor also engaged with representatives of the United Nations and the European Union in Guinea, and civil society organisations. He took the opportunity to reassure stakeholders of the Office’s commitment to ensure justice and accountability for the 2009 crimes through reinforced cooperation with the Guinean authorities and ongoing monitoring of the proceedings.
Addressing concrete concerns by victims, Deputy Prosecutor Niang said, “I leave Guinea reassured that the trial will continue at the appeal stage until its conclusion, that other related trials will commence, and victims’ reparations will continue. The horizon has not shifted. The Government showed its willingness to provide all necessary support to the judiciary in their quest for justice, and the Memorandum of Understanding will continue to guide the Office’s and Guinea’s mutual commitments to ensure accountability for the crimes committed in September 2009.”
In this spirit, the Deputy Prosecutor welcomed the Government’s commitment to accountability, and reaffirmed that the Office will continue engaging in constructive dialogue and cooperation with the Guinean authorities and relevant partners.
Deputy Prosecutor Niang thanks the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, and all members of Government for their facilitation and support provided to him and his delegation during his visit.
The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC conducts independent and impartial preliminary examinations, investigations and prosecutions of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. For further details on “preliminary examinations” and “situations and cases” before the Court, click here, and here.
More information:
Statement by ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC regarding the opening of the trial related to events of 28 September 2009 in Guinea, signature of Agreement with Transitional Government on complementarity and closure of the Preliminary Examination
Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Guinea and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor at the conclusion of Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang’s official visit to the Republic of Guinea to check on progress made on the 28 September 2009 trial and engage with victims
Statement by the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on the occasion of the judgement in the trial for the events that took place in Guinea on 28 September 2009
Situation in Guinea
Office of the Prosecutor
https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/icc-deputy-prosecutor-mame-mandiaye-niang-concludes-fourth-visit-guinea-assess-progress