Ex-Guinea presidential guard chief convicted over 2009 stadium massacre dies in detention

By Oumar Sankare

BAMAKO, Mali (AA) - Former Guinean presidential security chief Claude Pivi, nicknamed “Coplan” and convicted of crimes against humanity over the 2009 Conakry stadium massacre, died in detention, the public prosecutor’s office announced.

Prosecutor General Fallou Doumbouya said in a statement that Pivi, aged around 66, died from a hypoglycemic coma linked to chronic diabetes despite emergency treatment at a military hospital.

“A forensic autopsy has been ordered to confirm the cause and circumstances of death, and its results will be communicated in due course,” Doumbouya said.

Pivi’s death comes just months after his recapture following a high-profile prison escape, closing a chapter on one of Guinea’s most feared military figures.

- 2009 Stadium Massacre

On Sept. 28, 2009, opposition supporters gathered at Conakry’s main stadium to protest against then-junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara’s potential bid for the presidency. Security forces, including units under Pivi’s command, stormed the stadium, killing at least 156 people, wounding hundreds, and raping more than 100 women, according to several international rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

UN investigators later classified the violence as possible crimes against humanity, while dozens of people were reported missing.

Pivi, a former karate champion who rose through the military ranks, was a key member of the ruling junta at the time.

A landmark trial opened in 2022 and concluded in July 2024, with Pivi sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment along with a 25-year minimum security period.

- Escape, recapture and death

In November 2023, armed commandos allegedly including Pivi’s son attacked Conakry’s main prison, freeing several high-profile detainees, including Pivi. He remained at large for nearly a year before being arrested near the Liberian border in September 2024.

Following his extradition, Pivi was held at the high-security prison in Coyah, where authorities said he was receiving treatment for diabetes, hypertension and gout.

According to the prosecutor’s office, failure to adhere to his medical treatment led to a severe hypoglycemic episode on Jan. 4, 2026. He was transferred to the Camp Almamy Samory Touré military hospital, where he died two days later.

Victims’ groups reacted with mixed emotions, welcoming progress made through the trial process while calling for full transparency as judicial proceedings continue against other suspects.

A second phase of the trial involving additional accused opened in December 2025.