Ex-Guinean minister jailed 5 years for corruption
Diané, who was a defense minister from 2015 to 2021 under former President Alpha Condé, faced charges as part of a wider anti-corruption campaign initiated by the country’s military leadership.
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A court in Guinea has sentenced a former defense minister, Mohamed Diané, to five years in prison for corruption, illicit enrichment, embezzlement, and money laundering.
Diané, who was a defense minister from 2015 to 2021 under former President Alpha Condé, faced charges as part of a wider anti-corruption campaign initiated by the country’s military leadership.
In addition to his prison term, Diané was fined $58.5 million (£46 million), and the court ordered the confiscation of his bank accounts and properties in Conakry and Kankan, citing the lack of a legitimate explanation for the origins of these assets. Diané has been in detention since May 2022.
The anti-corruption drive began after the military seized power in 2021, prioritizing the fight against corruption in the economically struggling West African nation. An anti-corruption court was established as part of these efforts, which targeted numerous high-profile figures, including over 180 former ministers and officials accused of misconduct. The campaign also extended to former President Condé, with legal proceedings launched against him as well.
Initially, many Guineans supported the junta, led by Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, believing it would bring accountability and reform. However, growing discontent has emerged, with accusations that the military leadership is suppressing dissent and targeting political opponents, particularly allies of the ousted administration. Gen. Doumbouya had previously assured the public that there would be no politically motivated prosecutions.
The junta had proposed a two-year timeline for transitioning to democratic elections, beginning in 2022, following negotiations with the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS. However, progress has stalled. No election date has been announced, and a referendum on a new draft constitution, seen as a necessary step before elections, remains unfulfilled. In July, the junta unveiled a draft constitution that could pave the way for Gen. Doumbouya to run for the presidency in future elections, though a clear timeline has yet to be established.
