Guinea: End of debates and start of closing arguments in the appeal trial of former Prime Minister Kassory Fofana

The tone escalated on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in front of the appeals chamber of the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offenses (CRIEF), where the trial of former Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana continued in a particularly tense atmosphere.

From the outset of the hearing, presiding judge Daye Mara refocused the proceedings by reviewing the previous session, marked by the unusual testimony of the defendant from his hospital bed. The court quickly steered the discussion toward the decisive phase: closing arguments and the prosecution's summation. This key stage, accepted by all parties, signaled that the trial was entering its crucial phase.

It was primarily the intervention of Mr. Pépé Lamah that electrified the courtroom. In an uncompromising indictment, the lawyer demanded the outright confirmation of the first instance judgment, while also calling for a heavy financial penalty: 20 billion Guinean francs for abusive litigation.

Before the court, his tone hardened: "Administer the law without compromise, apply it rigorously," he declared, calling for a strong decision. Following this, another lawyer reinforced the point, arguing that an exemplary verdict would send a clear message to the entire ruling class.

At the heart of the debate: an alleged embezzlement of 15 billion Guinean francs within MAMRI. The State's legal representative left no room for doubt, citing "technical and overwhelming" evidence. According to him, the defendant himself admitted his involvement in the redirection of funds, openly challenging the defense to legally justify such an act.

On the issue of illicit enrichment, the prosecution dismissed the argument of asset declaration. "Declaring is not justification," insisted Mr. Lamah, reminding everyone that transparency does not replace the legality of the origin of the funds.

The figures put forward by the prosecution are staggering: over one billion Guinean francs, nearly one million dollars, and the same amount in euros were allegedly found in the defendant's accounts, while his official income is deemed incompatible with such a level of assets. Added to this are suspicions of fund splitting and the existence of networks of influence surrounding companies operating within his sphere of influence.

For its part, the public prosecutor has requested five years in prison, the reimbursement of the 15 billion Guinean francs allegedly embezzled, as well as 3 billion in damages.

As the prosecution's arguments continue, one thing is clear: this trial goes beyond the case of one man. It tests the credibility of the Guinean justice system in the face of economic and financial crimes. The upcoming verdict is now expected to be a turning point.