Dadis Camara: Former Guinean leader back in custody after prison attack

Guinea’s former military ruler, Moussa Dadis Camara, has returned to jail  after he was released by some unknown armed men.

The  armed group attacked a prison  in Conakry, the capital, early Saturday morning, freeing Capt Camara and others.

Among other notable prisoners who escaped were Claude Pivi and Blaise Goumou,Justice Minister Charles Alphonse Wright announced.

Capt Camara’s lawyer explained to the BBC that the former leader was detained against his will and that he would never try to escape because he trusted the Guinean legal system.

The country’s borders were declared closed as authorities searched for the freed prisoners and the others who had been taken.

Camara, who took power in a coup in 2008, had been jailed in connection with a stadium massacre during his brief stay in office.

He had been living in exile for years after escaping an assassination attempt. He returned to Guinea in late 2021.

No fewer than 157 people died when troops attacked people protesting against military rule. Reports say dozens of women were allegedly raped.

Until now, Guinea remained under military rule, led by Col Mamady Doumbouya who led a rebellion against President Alpha Condé.

Guinea is one of several former French colonies in West and Central Africa that have staged coups in the past three years.