- Source: Conakry central prison
Conakry central prison (French: Maison Centrale de Conakry) is a prison in Guinea located in the capital Conakry, in the commune of Kaloum.
History
Built during the colonial period, the establishment has, since 1984, been under the governance of the Ministry of Justice of Guinea.
After the 2021 Guinean coup d'état on 5 September, the National Committee of Reconciliation and Development freed 79 political prisoners.
The prison was raided on 4 November 2023, resulting in the brief escape of former military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara, who was being held for his role in the brutal suppression of the 2009 Guinean protests.
Celebrations upon the announcement of the liberation of prisoners in front of the central prison
Infrastructure
The Conakry central prison consists of three main buildings: one for convicts, one for defendants and the main hall.
Conditions
The prison was designed to hold 300 people. However in 2021, Amnesty International reported the prison held almost 2000 detainees, while, in its 2023 report, the US Department of State described conditions as overcrowded.
Prominent prisoners
Among those who have been imprisoned in the Conakry central prison include:
Amadou Damaro Camara, former president of the National Assembly
Ibrahima Kassory Fofana former prime minister (6 April 2022 - )
Diakaria Koulibaly former minister (6 April 2022- )