Oumar Sylla, known as Fonike Mengue, and Mamadou Billo Bah, prominent leaders of a citizens’ movement advocating for a return to civilian rule, were arrested on July 9. This development comes amid rising tensions and ongoing crackdowns on opposition voices by Guinea’s military-led government.
Lawyers representing the detained leaders announced plans to protest these “arbitrary arrests and other kidnappings followed by secret detention of Guinean citizens,” according to spokesman Gabriel Kamano. The strike, set to last until 11:59 pm on July 31, coincides with the scheduled verdict in a landmark trial concerning the 2009 massacre, one of the darkest chapters in Guinea’s history.
The trial involves former dictator Moussa Dadis Camara and 11 other government and military officials accused of crimes against humanity, including murder, sexual violence, torture, abduction, and kidnapping. Despite the lawyers’ strike, authorities have confirmed that the trial will proceed as planned.
However, the court’s prosecutor has not clarified whether the strike will impact the reading of the verdict, a decision that has captivated the nation. Since the 2021 coup that ousted elected President Alpha Conde, the military-led authorities have suppressed opposition, including dissolving the civil society collective FNDC and banning demonstrations.
Many opposition leaders have faced arrest, court proceedings, or exile. As the trial date approaches, the situation remains tense, with the potential for significant disruptions due to the ongoing strike.
