ICC-OTP’s statement on 2009 Guinea-Conakry event trial’s judgement

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) welcomes the judgement of the 31st July 2024 by the Dixinn Court in Conakry, Guinea, convicting perpetrators of the 28 September 2009 events at the national stadium in Conakry in which between 156 and 200 people were allegedly killed or disappeared, and at least 109 women were raped or subjected to other forms of sexual violence.

The judgement marks a landmark moment in establishing the truth behind the 28 September 2009 events and bringing to account those bearing the greatest responsibility for the atrocities committed. The implication of former leaders of Guinea, at the highest levels underlines the significance of this judgment. Guinean judges sent a clear signal that no-one is above the law and that those committing Rome Statute crimes will face justice.

The Office of the Prosecutor expresses its hope that after years of waiting, this moment brings a sense of justice, and of some solace, for those victims whose rights have been vindicated today. The Office also trusts that this moment opens a new path towards greater accountability in Guinea.

Since the beginning of these proceedings, the Office of the Prosecutor has encouraged and supported domestic authorities in Guinea to bring the perpetrators to justice, leading to the opening of the trial on 28 September 2022. This judgement would not have been possible without the genuine will of the current Guinean authorities to take forward meaningful action in support of the independent work of the court. The Office of the Prosecutor has welcomed the opportunity, together with other key international partners, to accompany and support the people of Guinea in this process.

The Office of the Prosecutor looks forward to further action with respect to other pending proceedings in relation to the 28 September 2009 events and will continue to follow the events in Guinea closely.

This judgement is an important moment for all ICC State Parties. In meeting its obligation under the Rome Statute, Guinea has provided a strong example of how effective complementarity and efficient cooperation can close impunity gaps and reduce the need for the Office of the Prosecutor to step in.

This is an efficient and collaborative approach that the OTP seeks to further nurture and support through progressive complementarity initiatives in a number of countries globally, in line with the Office’s new policy on Complementarity and Cooperation and supported by contributions to the recently established Complementarity Trust Fund.

The Office of the Prosecutor once more congratulates the Republic of Guinea and the relevant national authorities for the important step taken in relation to events of 28 September 2009 and its successful conclusion.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor | Contact: OTPNewsDesk@icc-cpi.int