Sadiba Koulibaly, former second-in-command to Guinea’s ruling general, died in detention on June 24, just days after being sentenced by a military court. Koulibaly, who was sentenced to five years on June 14 for desertion and weapons offences, was a key figure alongside junta leader Mamady Doumbouya during the 2021 coup that brought them to power. His supporters have condemned the charges as fabricated.

Prosecutors at a military tribunal stated that an autopsy revealed Koulibaly’s death “could be attributable to severe psychological trauma and prolonged stress,” leading to a heart attack. However, Koulibaly’s lawyer, Mory Doumbouya, expressed suspicion over the circumstances, asserting that the death was due to “anything but natural causes.” He maintained that his client was “healthy and calm” and had not reported any health issues since his arrest on June 4.

The lawyer also highlighted that Koulibaly was held in a secret location, and the defence team was denied access to him.

The political climate in Guinea has been turbulent since the 2021 coup, with the opposition pushing for a return to civilian rule. Despite international pressure, the junta had initially agreed to hold elections by the end of 2024. However, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah later extended the military’s rule until at least 2025.

Koulibaly was the Guinean army’s chief of staff until May 2023 before being appointed as charge d’affaires at the country’s embassy in Cuba. He returned to Guinea in May to demand unpaid salaries for embassy staff, leading to his arrest on accusations of abandoning his post and possessing weapons at his home.