By Adama Makasuba
The Child Protection Alliance has engaged Police to investigate the death of a 2-year-old boy in the centre of Bubacarr Keita’s trial.
Mr Keita is accused of raping his ex-wife’s 15-year-old sister in 2019 resulting in a pregnancy. He denies the charge.
However, the Child Protection Alliance has called on the concerned authorities to immediately and thoroughly investigate the matter and bring perpetrators to book, especially where foul play is established.
Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to The Voice, Lamin Fatty, national coordinator of Child Protection, said: “We have gone to engage the police. I know now, that I will not be able to reveal what has been [discussed], in the process already, but they have taken steps.
“They are taking some cautionary statements from three individuals, but we are going to monitor the case,” he said.
According to CPA, it is of the considered view that the circumstances surrounding the death of Muhammed are scanty.
“The Child Protection Alliance has learnt with grave concern the circumstances surrounding the death of one Muhammed, a two-year-old, who is a subject of an ongoing rape case against businessman Bubacarr Keita. The CPA has gathered from media reports that Muhammed was left unattended in a locked car for nearly four hours. He reportedly developed complications and he died shortly afterwards.
“CPA is equally concerned with the publication of videos and images of the deceased child and the victim (mother) on social media platforms. This may constitute a violation of the laws protecting the rights of children. We, therefore, call on the public to desist from exposing children who are victims of crime to further harm or degrading treatment through their publications.
“It is important to note that Child Protection Alliance has been keenly monitoring the ongoing rape case against Mr Bubacarr Keita. Finally, we want to remind the government of its primary duty as enshrined in Article 66 (a/b) of the Children’s Act 2005; towards the safeguarding, protection and promoting the welfare of children,” it added.