On Wednesday, a court in Conakry found former President Moussa Dadis Camara and several other military leaders guilty of crimes against humanity. Four other men were acquitted.

Those convicted were also ordered to provide reparations to the victims and their families.

Right to justice

“After nearly 15 years, the victims, survivors and their families have the right to full justice and transparency,” UN rights chief Volker Türk said.

“It is necessary to continue the path that Guinea has already started towards an end to impunity and ensuring that all those responsible for human rights violations are brought to justice,” he added.

The High Commissioner also called for further strengthening of Guinea’s judicial institutions and guaranteeing their independence as key to preventing such violations from recurring.

Killings, sexual violence and torture

At least 156 people were killed, many disappeared and at least 109 girls and women were subjected to sexual violence, including sexual mutilation and sexual slavery, when security and military forces attacked a peaceful political rally at the Conakry Stadium on 28 September 2009.

A number of victims were tortured to death and buried in mass graves.

In the aftermath, a UN Commission of Inquiry was mandated to establish the facts and circumstances, to identify those responsible and make recommendations.

With the support of the UN human rights office, OHCHR, the Commission concluded at the time that there was a “strong presumption that crimes against humanity were committed”, with “reasonable grounds to suspect individual criminal responsibility”.

“Those who have lost loved ones and those who have been subjected to torture and sexual violence have the right to comprehensive psychosocial as well as financial support,” Mr. Türk said.

The High Commissioner noted that it was also crucial for the Guinean Government to determine the whereabouts of all those who went missing and ensure those responsible for enforced disappearances and associated violations are held to account.

He also stressed the importance of guaranteeing the defendants’ right to appeal.

Powerful message against impunity

Separately, the senior UN official working to end rape in wartime also welcomed the outcome of the trial.

Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on sexual violence in conflict, said the verdict sends a powerful message that impunity will not be tolerated and reaffirms commitment to upholding the rights of survivors.

“The delivery of the first-instance verdict is a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for survivors of sexual violence and accountability for perpetrators. Sexual violence crimes have always been at the centre of this accountability process, both in investigations and trial,” she added.

The Special Representative’s Office has supported this process since 2011, when the Guinean Government and the UN signed a joint communiqué on the fight against impunity for the 28 September 2009 events, including sexual violence.

Through the Team of Experts on the rule of law and sexual violence in conflict, the Office has provided technical assistance to the investigating judges throughout the investigation phase and in the establishment of a steering committee for the organization of the trial.

Ms. Patten commended the crucial efforts by Guinean authorities in organising this nationally owned process.

She also praised the proactive role of the national judicial system and the magistrates’ professionalism in the conduct of a fair trial.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Shri Baisnab Charan Pradhan (YOA:2007), presently Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Brasilia, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Sierra Leone.

2. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

On Thursday, August 1, for about 35 minutes from 2:00 p.m., Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko received a courtesy call from the Diplomatic Missions of East African countries to Japan.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa paid tribute to East African diplomatic missions for its efforts to enhancing relations with Japan. Minister Kamikawa expressed her wishes to make the TICAD Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for 24 and 25 this month, as an opportunity to co-create solutions to the challenges facing the international community, especially Africa.
As a response, H.E. Mr. Estifanos Afeworki Haile, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Eritrea to Japan and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Japan, expressed his hope to further develop relations between East African countries and Japan, using this month’s TICAD ministerial meeting as an opportunity. Ambassadors and other participants from other countries also expressed their expectations for further strengthening bilateral relations.
Minister Kamikawa stated that, based on useful comments from all ambassadors today, Japan will prepare for TICAD Ministerial Meeting at the end of this month. She also stated that, while mentioning her visit to Madagascar in April this year, she would like to continue attaching great importance to dialogues with the Ambassadors and work closely with East African countries both bilaterally and internationally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

At the Ghana Report Summit held today on August 1st, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo revealed that a comprehensive National Action Plan, aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 General Elections, is currently before Cabinet for its consideration and action.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo praised Ghana’s impressive democratic journey, marked by eight successful general elections since the return to constitutional rule in 1993.

However, he cautioned that misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to these democratic achievements. “False narratives can distort public perception, undermine trust in our institutions, and even incite violence,” the President warned.

The digital age has transformed how information is shared and consumed, offering both opportunities and challenges. Social media platforms, while beneficial in many ways, have become hotbeds for the rapid spread of false information.

President Akufo-Addo noted that misinformation and disinformation can distort public perception of candidates and political parties, leading to uninformed decision-making at the polls. Disinformation campaigns often exploit societal divisions, amplifying existing tensions and risking social cohesion.

To counter these threats, President Akufo-Addo announced the development of a National Action Plan, which is currently before the Cabinet for consideration. This detailed plan outlines strategic steps to combat the spread of false information and protect democratic processes. The Action Plan aims to safeguard the integrity of elections, promote an informed and engaged citizenry, and ensure that misinformation and disinformation do not undermine Ghana’s hard-won democratic gains.

The National Action Plan includes several key initiatives:

Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks: The government is enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information. This will involve stricter penalties for those found guilty of disseminating misinformation and disinformation.

Collaborating with Technology Companies: The government is working with social media companies and other tech firms to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information. These partnerships are crucial in the fight against digital misinformation and disinformation.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide campaigns will be launched to educate citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation. These campaigns will promote media literacy, empowering voters to make informed decisions and recognize and reject false information.

Supporting Fact-Checking Organizations: Fact-checking organizations play a vital role in verifying information and debunking false claims. The government will provide support to enhance their capacity and reach.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns. The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust. Political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate in a truthful and respectful manner.

Civil society organizations are invaluable in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy. Their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation. The public also plays a crucial role by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.

The National Action Plan represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. As Ghana prepares for the 2024 General Elections, implementing this plan is essential to ensure that the elections are conducted with truth and integrity. By working together – government, media, civil society, and the public – Ghana can create an environment where truth prevails, and its democracy thrives.

President Akufo-Addo’s address at the Ghana Report Summit was a clarion call to action. As Ghana approaches the 2024 General Elections, the fight against misinformation and disinformation is paramount. By working together, Ghana can ensure that its elections reflect the true will of the people, preserving the nation’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.