A court in Guinea has sentenced former Defence Minister Mohamed Diané to five years in prison on charges of corruption, illicit enrichment, embezzlement, and money laundering.
Diané, who served under President Alpha Condé from 2015 to 2021, was also fined $58.5 million (£46 million), and his assets in the capital Conakry and the eastern city of Kankan will be confiscated.
The court ruled that Diané could not justify the origins of his wealth, which led to the seizure of his bank accounts and properties. This sentencing marks a significant move in the military junta’s campaign to combat corruption, which it declared a top priority after seizing power in September 2021.
Following his sentencing, Diané expressed his views on the court’s decision.
“I am not guilty of the charges against me. This is a political trial aimed at eliminating my political career and those of my colleagues.”
Mohamed Diané
Diané emphasized that he believes the proceedings were influenced by the current military regime’s agenda to suppress dissent among former officials of the previous government
When the junta, led by General Mamady Doumbouya, ousted President Condé, they promised a new era of governance and accountability for the impoverished West African nation. They established an anti-corruption court and began legal proceedings against over 180 individuals, including ex-ministers and officials, in a sweeping crackdown.
Despite initial public support for the military takeover, optimism has waned as the junta faces accusations of suppressing dissent and stalling on its promised democratic transition.
The transition period, initially set at two years following negotiations with the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, is due to end this year.
However, there has been little progress toward organizing elections or holding a referendum on a draft constitution, which is a prerequisite for elections.
In July, the junta presented a draft constitution that could allow General Doumbouya to run for president in future elections, raising concerns about their commitment to a democratic transition.
Guinea’s corruption challenges are well-documented. The country scored just 26 out of 100 on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 141st out of 180 countries. This score reflects persistent governance and accountability issues, with Guinea’s CPI average standing at a low 23.88 points since 2006.
While the junta has made high-profile arrests and sentencing like that of Diané, systemic hurdles remain. The National Agency for the Fight against Corruption and the Promotion of Good Governance (ANLC-PBG) operates with limited resources and bureaucratic roadblocks.
Observers note that Guinea has a robust legal framework for fighting corruption, but its enforcement is weak due to a lack of trained personnel and inadequate funding.
Public Sentiment And Future Challenges
The military-led government’s anti-corruption campaign initially garnered widespread support, as many Guineans viewed it as a necessary step to address longstanding governance issues.
However, this sentiment has shifted as critics accuse the junta of using the campaign to target political opponents, including allies of former President Condé.
General Doumbouya previously stated that the campaign is not a “witch hunt” but rather a genuine effort to restore integrity to Guinea’s institutions. Yet, doubts linger, especially as the junta delays key milestones like elections and constitutional reform.
As the promised transition period nears its end, international pressure is mounting on the junta to deliver on its commitments. Without clear progress toward democratic governance, the military’s credibility may erode further, fueling unrest in an already fragile state.
Guinea’s fight against corruption is far from over. While the sentencing of figures like Diané sends a strong message, addressing the underlying systemic issues requires more than symbolic victories.
For many Guineans, the true test of the junta’s intentions will be whether it can deliver on its promise of a transparent and accountable government.
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