Mamadou Djouma Bah, 17, a social‑science student in Guinea, was caught using a phone during the national baccalaureate exam on 15 July and was jailed for cheating. He was transferred to a regional hospital after his health worsened in prison and died two days later. His father, Mamadou Saliou Bah, says his son was denied proper medical care and blames the authorities for the tragedy.
During a visit, the boy reportedly said, “Dad, I’m dying”, before being discharged to return home where he passed away according to officials. The governor’s office expressed deep sadness, and the Guinean Education Minister released condolences for the family.
What is sickle cell disease? It is a lifelong illness common in people of African descent; the faulty gene makes red blood cells misshapen, reducing oxygen transport and increasing the risk of painful episodes, infection, and organ damage. Basic care includes staying warm, hydrating, antibiotics, and sometimes blood transfusions.
Student activists protested the detention of classmates, demanding free release of youths who were still held, while human rights groups call for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Djouma’s death.
If you want more details on sickle cell disease, check the BBC guide: What is sickle cell disease?
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