Gambiaj.com – (CONAKRY, Guinea) – Colonel Claude Pivi, a former high-ranking military officer in Guinea who was convicted of crimes against humanity for his role in the 2009 Conakry stadium massacre, has been apprehended in Liberia after nearly a year on the run, according to his lawyer.

Pivi’s capture was confirmed by his legal representative, Abdourahmane Dabo, who stated that the former military officer is currently in the custody of Liberian authorities. Although details of his arrest remain sparse, and there has been no official statement from either Liberian or Guinean officials, Dabo emphasized the need for authorities to respect Pivi’s rights, citing concerns about his health.

The former head of presidential security during Guinea’s military junta era, Pivi escaped from Conakry Central Prison in November 2023, just months after being convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the 2009 massacre. His escape, along with former junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara and two others, sparked outrage among survivors and families of the victims, who feared that justice would remain elusive.

The 2009 massacre, which occurred at Conakry’s national stadium, left at least 156 people dead and hundreds more wounded after security forces brutally cracked down on an opposition rally. The violent suppression was marked by widespread human rights abuses, including the rape of at least 109 women, and is widely regarded as one of the darkest chapters in Guinea’s history.

Pivi’s trial, which began in 2022, was part of a broader effort to hold those responsible for the atrocity accountable. His conviction, alongside other high-profile figures such as Camara, was seen as a significant step toward justice. In July, Camara was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Despite his initial escape, he was recaptured shortly thereafter, unlike Pivi, who remained at large for nearly ten months.

Guinean authorities had placed a substantial reward on Pivi’s capture, reflecting the high stakes involved in ensuring he faced the consequences of his actions. His arrest in Liberia could pave the way for his extradition back to Guinea, where he will likely be returned to prison to serve his life sentence.

The capture of Pivi brings some relief to the victims’ families, many of whom have tirelessly campaigned for justice over the years. However, there are renewed calls from human rights organizations and the international community to ensure that Pivi’s rights are respected throughout the extradition and legal processes.

As the situation unfolds, attention will remain focused on how both the Guinean and Liberian authorities handle this sensitive case, which has long symbolized the broader struggle for accountability and justice in Guinea’s troubled political landscape.