The Ministry of Justice in Guinea announced on Monday that at least 9 people have died following an attack on a prison in the capital earlier this week.
Armed assailants stormed the prison and briefly released former military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara and other detained military personnel.
In its first official statement regarding the prison break that occurred on Saturday morning, the ministry reported that authorities found the bodies of 3 of the attackers and 4 security personnel, along with the bodies of 2 other individuals.
Additionally, 6 others are receiving treatment at the hospital for gunshot injuries.
Officials stated that security forces conducted house and vehicle searches after the prison break and managed to re-arrest Camara, the former president, and two officers who had escaped. However, a third officer remains at large.
The clashes have brought attention to the fragile security situation in Guinea, which has been under military rule since a coup in 2021.
According to the ministry’s statement, Camara and the officers who attempted to escape are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, as well as other violations and crimes.
Earlier, a lawyer representing Camara denied any indications that the former military leader orchestrated the prison break, stating that he was forcibly abducted from the facility.
Camara, described as a dictator, came to power in a 2008 coup and was arrested for his involvement in a football stadium massacre during his brief time in power.
