Sidiba Koulibaly (also known as Sadiba Koulibaly; died 22 June 2024) was a Guinean military officer, diplomat, and politician. He served as Chief of Staff of the Republic of Guinea Armed Forces from 12 October 2021 to 9 May 2023.
Biography
Koulibaly was second in command during the National Committee of Reconciliation and Development-led 2021 Guinean coup d'état. On 29 September 2021, he headed a delegation that met with Nana Akufo-Addo, then-president of ECOWAS, following Guinea's suspension from the community. From 12 October 2021 to 9 May 2023, he served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, succeeding General Namory Traoré. He was replaced in that role by Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.
On 9 May 2023, Koulibaly was appointed Minister of Urban Affairs, Housing and Spatial Planning, but was replaced the following day by Ibrahima Kalil Condé, serving only one day in the position. In October 2023, he was named Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Guinea in Cuba, a position he held until his arrest in June 2024.
Arrest and Death
On 15 June 2024, Koulibaly was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for desertion and illegal possession of a weapon by a military tribunal in Conakry. The day after his conviction, he was removed from the Guinean Armed Forces and demoted to the rank of colonel. He died of cardiac arrest in Conakry on 22 June 2024, just days after his sentencing.
Awards
- Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit (2022)
