In Sierra Leone, AdvocAid has condemned the tragic loss of life of a 17-month-old baby who died in a police cell in Makeni on Sunday while being detained with her mother.

 Her mother had been arrested on allegations of stealing a handbag. 

AdvocAid has repeatedly called for pregnant women and women with young children not to be detained and instead to be supported through alternatives to incarceration such as community support, mediation or diversion. 

AdvocAid has called for the police to immediately and unconditionally release the mother and for the Ministry of Social Welfare to provide the required medical and psycho-social support. 

Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Board has commenced a preliminary investigation into the death of the 17-month old toddler.

Nenny Kargbo is a Paralegal officer with Advocaid. She’s speaking to WADR from her base in Makeni where the baby died in detention.