UN envoy on sexual violence in conflict wraps up official visit to Guinea

The United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura has wrapped up an official visit to Guinea, where her Office has been supporting an investigation into events that took place in 2009 at a stadium in the capital, Conakry, where more than 100 people were killed and at least 100 women were raped during an opposition demonstration.

According to a news release, Mrs. Bangura was on a four-day visit to Guinea where she met with senior Government officials, UN agencies and civil society groups.

The Special Representative's office is providing technical and logistical support to a Panel of Judges investigating the incidents of 28 September 2009, where at the national stadium almost 156 people were killed and 109 women were raped and subjected to other forms of sexual crimes during an opposition demonstration.

According to the release, 16 people have been indicted so far in connection with the case, including former Head of State- Moussa Dadis Camara and several high ranking military officers.

Speaking earlier this year regarding the indictments Mrs. Bangura said, “I commend the national authorities for exercising ownership, leadership and responsibility over this process which seeks to bring justice to victims of crimes committed during the horrific events which took place Conakry in broad daylight.”