Atrocities strongly suggest crimes against humanity

Since the September 28 massacre in Guinea by members of the Government security apparatus; human rights organizations and United Nations investigation teams have concluded their inquiries. Human Rights Watch (HRW) published its report on Thursday 17  December, which clearly demonstrates that the crimes (sexual, physical violence etc…) committed that day where premeditated and the evidence strongly suggests that they amount to crimes against humanity.

An interview of some 240 individuals, including victims wounded during the attack, witnesses present in the stadium, relatives of missing people, soldiers who participated in the violent crackdown and the government cover-up… led to their conclusion. This suggests that Presidential Guards acted according to specific orders and they intended to inflict serious harm on innocent people.

We also await the release of the UN Commission of Inquiry’s report, apparently delivered to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon the same day as the HRW report release, but it is not yet in the public domain.  Given the interview that Dadis’s erstwhile right-hand man Toumba gave to RFI this week pointing the finger back at the incapacitated junta leader, it is more critical than ever that the investigation be transparent and the findings shared publicly.

Those who committed these murderous and heinous acts must not go unpunished. The perpetrators must be brought to justice or justice brought to them. Those who also assisted in the planned massacre must be held accountable for their behavior. An assistant to a crime has a responsibility in the crime committed.

Sekou Konde for Alliance Guinea

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