from MAMADU ONDO in Conakry, Guinea
Guinea Bureau
CONAKRY, (CAJ News) – GUINEA’S military government has tightened security after gunmen broke into a jail and freed former leader, Moussa Dadis Camara, and at least three of his lieutenants.
They have since been recaptured after the jailbreak early Saturday at the Central Prison in the Kaloun area of the capital, Conakry.
Officials had immediately responded to the incident by deploying a heavy security presence, especially in and around Conakry, and closing the nation’s borders.
A fourth escapee had not been recaptured at the time of going to press.
As of Sunday, traffic in Conakry had largely returned to normal, with the military administration of Mamady Doumbouya officials advising the public to go about their business.
However authorities maintained increased patrols and checkpoints along major roads, near strategic government installations, border crossing points and transport hubs.
This was forecast to prevail until all suspects involved in the jailbreak were apprehended and the security situation stabilised.
The nation’s border with Mali, to the northeast, has reportedly reopened. The status of the borders with other neighboring nations remains unclear.
Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone and the Atlantic Ocean border Guinea.
The Ahmed Sekou Toure International Airport (CKY) refuted reports that the airport had closed due to the incident.
“Al scheduled flights departed on time,” said a spokesperson.
Camara (59), who led after a military takeover in 2008 until 2010, has been in remand detention since 2022 for his alleged involvement in the massacres of 2009 when security forces quashed protests against him.
Guinea is one of West African countries beset by insecurity and coups in recent years. The current junta of Doumbouya (43) seized power in 2021.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) subsequently suspended the member state.
Guinea was the first country to support the Nigeria military when it ousted the Niger government of Mohamed Bazoum in July.
Last month, Niger reported it had thwarted an attempt by gunmen to free the deposed president, who has been under house arrest.
– CAJ News