The Guinean authorities have confirmed the death of former military commander Aboubacar Diakité, widely known as “Toumba,” while in detention, following a deterioration in his health despite receiving medical care.
In an official communiqué issued by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights through the National Directorate of Penitentiary Administration and Reintegration, authorities stated that Diakité had been serving his sentence at the Coyah prison facility in accordance with the country’s legal and correctional procedures.
According to the statement, a detailed medical report dated March 4, 2026, indicated that Diakité had been suffering from multiple health complications, including abdominal pain, chronic constipation, sleep disorders, and a noticeable swelling in the upper abdominal region. The report was prepared by medical specialists from the Ignace Deen University Hospital in the presence of judicial authorities and his legal counsel.
Authorities disclosed that on the night of March 23, 2026, Diakité experienced a medical emergency while in custody. He was immediately evacuated to the military hospital at Camp Samory Touré, where he received urgent and specialised treatment under the supervision of a qualified medical team.
Despite efforts to stabilise his condition, officials said his health continued to decline.
The statement confirmed that Diakité died in the early hours of March 25, 2026, at approximately 4:35 a.m. Medical findings attributed his death to complications arising from a strangulated hernia, which led to a severe generalised peritonitis.
The penitentiary authorities noted that a comprehensive report on the circumstances surrounding his death would be forwarded to the appropriate judicial authorities for further review and necessary action.
The government expressed condolences to his family and relatives, describing the incident as a painful loss.
Diakité, a key figure in Guinea’s political and military history, had been in detention following his conviction over past events, and his death is likely to draw public and political attention within the country.