Massacre of September 28, 2009 in Guinea: New Survivor Testimonies Before the Dixinn Court
Survivors of the 2009 massacre in Guinea provide harrowing testimonies in an ongoing trial against military officials.
The trial addressing the massacre known as the "28 September 2009 massacre" is proceeding in Guinea, following violent events that unfolded during an opposition rally at the Conakry stadium. A first group of military personnel was convicted on July 31, 2024, while a second phase of judicial proceedings has begun, focusing on other officials, including Colonel Bienvenu Lamah, at the Dixinn criminal court located in the suburbs of Conakry. These proceedings are crucial for justice and accountability concerning human rights violations during the unrest. On February 16, 2026, additional victims came forward to share their experiences, underscoring the tragic realities of that day. Among them, survivor Dame Thamar Thiam delivered a poignant account of the brutalities faced during the confrontation, reflecting on physical assaults, derogatory insults, and the traumatic memory of her clothing being torn amidst the chaos of the massacre. Such testimonies not only humanize the statistics but bring a sense of urgency and gravity to the quest for justice. As these new testimonies unfold in court, they reveal the ongoing struggle for truth and reconciliation in Guinea, where the scars of past violence remain fresh. The broader implications of the case speak to the need for accountability in military actions against civilians and the importance of protecting human rights in post-conflict societies. The trial has become a focal point for the public's demand for justice, reflecting a critical moment in Guinea's journey toward healing, recognition, and reform in the face of past injustices.