Teen dies after exam cheating arrest in Guinea, father blames authorities

Seventeen‑year‑old Mamadou Djouma Bah, who suffered from sickle cell disease, died in July after being arrested for using a phone during Guinea’s national school‑leaving exam.

Bah was convicted of cheating and sentenced to six months in prison, with five months suspended. He was detained in a local labour centre when his health deteriorated and was transferred to a regional hospital.

While receiving treatment, the boy complained of difficulty breathing and told his father 'Dad, I'm dying' before he died. His father, Mamadou Saliou Bah, has accused the authorities of failing to provide adequate medical care and has called for an independent investigation.

Sickle cell disease, common among people of African descent, can cause painful crises and life‑threatening complications. Officials say Bah died 'under the care of his treating physician', but human rights groups say the circumstances warrant further inquiry.

The education minister expressed 'deep sadness' and condolences, and students nationwide protested against detentions, demanding the release of other arrested classmates.