Family Blames Authorities After Student With Sickle Cell Disease Dies Following Detention
A 17-year-old student from Guinea has died days after being arrested and jailed for exam cheating, with his family blaming authorities for failing to provide proper medical care during his detention.
Mamadou Djouma Bah, a social sciences student living with sickle cell disease, was transferred to hospital after his health worsened while in prison. He later died under medical supervision, according to prosecutors.
His father, Mamadou Saliou Bah, has called for an investigation, saying his son did not receive adequate treatment while in custody.
Student Arrested Over Exam Fraud Allegation
Djouma Bah was arrested on 15 July after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during Guinea’s national school-leaving baccalaureate examination.
He was detained alongside other students accused of exam fraud.
Two days later, he was convicted of cheating and sentenced to six months in prison, with five months suspended.
He was serving his remaining sentence at a prison in Kindia, located about 137km from Guinea’s capital, Conakry, when his health began to deteriorate.
Father Describes Son’s Final Moments
After his condition worsened, Djouma Bah was moved to a regional hospital for treatment.
His father told the BBC that during a hospital visit, his son struggled to breathe and asked to lean against him.
According to Saliou Bah, his son looked at him and said: “Dad, I’m dying.”
The teenager spent around two days receiving treatment before being discharged home, where he later died.
The prosecutor said the teenager died under the care of his treating physician.
Family Demands Investigation
Saliou Bah has accused authorities of failing to protect his son’s health while he was in detention.
He is calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and has urged authorities to release other students still being held over exam-related accusations.
“A student should not be sent to prison,” he said, adding that young people represent the future of the country.
Human rights organisations have also called for an independent investigation into the case and the treatment of other detained students.
Sickle Cell Disease Complications
Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition that affects red blood cells and can cause serious health complications.
People living with the condition can experience severe pain episodes, increased risk of infections and anaemia, which reduces the body’s ability to carry oxygen.
Medical experts say proper management, including access to treatment and prevention of complications, is important for people living with sickle cell disease.
Student Protests Follow Death
The teenager’s death has sparked anger among students in Guinea.
On Wednesday, students demonstrated against the detention of their classmates, calling for their release.
The case has intensified debate over how exam offences should be handled and whether imprisonment is appropriate for students accused of academic misconduct.
For Djouma Bah’s family, the focus now remains on seeking answers over his final days and ensuring other detained students do not suffer a similar fate.
