A tragic incident occurred on Friday, October 30, 2026, in the village of Madina, located in the sector of Thialérè, Bourouwi, in the sub-prefecture of Saramoussaya, approximately 70 kilometers from the city of Mamou. Abdoulaye Sow, a 20-year-old high school student, lost his life after shooting himself with a 12-caliber rifle belonging to his older brother. The student had been experiencing mental health issues, according to his family members.
According to information gathered from local authorities, Abdoulaye Sow had recently returned to his village after falling ill in the city. His parents had brought him back to the village to receive traditional healing. On the morning of the incident, Abdoulaye requested porridge with milk for breakfast, then went to his brother's house to rest without eating.
After taking traditional medication, Abdoulaye complained of severe stomach pain and requested food. While his brother went to get him something to eat, Abdoulaye was left alone in the hut. It was during this time that he allegedly took his brother's rifle and a cartridge he found among his belongings.
Abdoulaye then shot himself in the chest. Local health agents were alerted and rushed to the scene to conduct an investigation. The president of the Bourouwi district, Alpha Issiaga Barry, reported that the projectile did not penetrate the victim's body. Following the examination, the body was released to Abdoulaye's family for funeral arrangements.
Abdoulaye Sow was a 9th-grade student at the Siradio Diallo College in Mamou. His death has left his family devastated. The incident has prompted authorities to take further action. The parents of the deceased and the sector chief have been summoned to the Mamou gendarmerie on November 2, 2026, as part of the procedures related to this case.
The local community is in shock following the tragic event. Mental health issues are often stigmatized in many parts of Guinea, and access to professional mental health services can be limited. This incident highlights the need for increased awareness and support for mental health in the region.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abdoulaye's death is ongoing. Authorities aim to understand the events leading up to the incident and ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Key points
- A 20-year-old student in Guinea died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his village.
- The student had been experiencing mental health issues and had recently returned to his village from the city for traditional healing.
- Authorities have summoned the deceased's parents and sector chief to the gendarmerie as part of the investigation.
