Gambiaj.com – (CONAKRY, Guinea) – Reports circulating in Conakry suggesting that Aboubacar Sidiki Diakité, widely known as Toumba, has been released from prison and nominated as a presidential candidate for the December 28, 2025 election have been firmly denied by those close to the matter.
Toumba, a former aide-de-camp to Captain Moussa Dadis Camara and a key figure in the September 28, 2009, massacre case, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence at the Conakry Central Prison.
Despite social media claims that he has been chosen to lead the Party for Reconciliation and Labour (PRT) and has paid a candidacy deposit of 900 million Guinean francs, no official confirmation has been issued.
The rumors prompted widespread debate in the capital, drawing reactions from legal representatives and family members. One of Toumba’s lawyers, Me Lanciné Sylla, expressed surprise when contacted.
“As his lawyer, I’m not informed, sorry. It would be better to verify with the central prison. You know, Dadis had been released, and nobody was informed. Go to your source,” he told reporters before abruptly ending the call.
At Gbessia, where Toumba’s father, Mamadi Diakité, resides, the allegations have caused a wave of inquiries. The elder Diakité, visibly surprised, said he has not received any news confirming his son’s release.
“People are calling me from everywhere to find out if my son is free. One thing is certain: he is in prison. I heard about his supposed candidacy, but we have never discussed it,” he said.
While expressing hope to see his son liberated one day, he urged the public not to accept unverified news at face value.
“If he is free, rest assured, I would be very happy. But for now, I am not taking anything for granted. I am simply observing and praying.”
Another member of his defense team, Me Paul Yomba, also dismissed the speculation, stating that no judicial decision concerning a release has been issued.
The rumors come at a time when Guinea is entering a tense pre-election period marked by heightened political maneuvering and public uncertainty. For now, no official source has confirmed either Toumba’s release from detention or any involvement in the upcoming presidential race. It is unclear how these rumors may impact the political landscape in Guinea.
