A former defense minister in Guinea has been sentenced to five years in prison for corruption.

In a landmark ruling, Mohamed Diane, the former Minister of Defence in Guinea, has been sentenced to five years in prison by a special court, facing charges of corruption, illicit enrichment, embezzlement, and money laundering. The court also imposed a substantial fine of $58.5 million (£46 million) and ordered the seizure of his assets, which include properties and bank accounts in Conakry and Kankan, deemed to have unclear origins.

Diane served under ex-President Alpha Condé from 2015 until the military coup in 2021 that culminated in the rise of the junta led by General Mamady Doumbouya. The military regime has prioritized an anti-corruption agenda, establishing a special court to address such issues shortly after seizing power. There has been a concerted effort to pursue legal action against over 180 former officials, including ex-ministers and President Condé himself.

Although the junta initially garnered support from the populace, there are growing concerns about its methods, with accusations of suppressing dissent and targeting opposition figures linked to the previous administration. Gen Doumbouya has assured the public that the anti-corruption initiative will not devolve into a “witch hunt.”

As the promised transition to democratic governance appears stalled, the introduction of a draft constitution in July has generated speculation about Gen Doumbouya’s potential presidential aspirations in future elections, which remain as yet unannounced. The developments surrounding Diane’s sentencing signify not only a pivotal moment in Guinea’s legal landscape but also the complex dynamics of governance as the nation navigates its post-coup reality.