Army commander convicted of Guinea stadium massacre dies in prison

One of the key military figures convicted of crimes against humanity for his involvement in Guinea’s 2009 stadium massacre has died in custody, authorities say. He was serving a 10-year sentence for his role in one of the darkest episodes in Guinea’s history in which more than 150 people were killed in the capital, Conakry, as they demanded an end to military rule. At least 109 women were also raped.

While in custody, Diakité remained a controversial figure, creating a political party and attempting to run for president. Last year, he declared his intention to stand in the presidential elections, which was rejected by the Supreme Court after it ruled he was ineligible. At the time of the massacre, Diakité was commander of the presidential guard and a close ally of Guinea’s then military ruler, Moussa Dadis Camara.

His death has prompted mixed reactions in Guinea where memories of the 2009 violence remain politically sensitive, with people still waiting for justice. One political expert likened his death to “the end of an era”, telling the BBC: “He died, but the full truth died with him.”