Mustapha’s Tragedy Must Strengthen Child Protection in Sierra Leone
By: James Kamara-Manneh
The horrifying case of five-year-old Mustapha Kanu, whose arms were lost following severe abuse by his grandfather, should serve as a national wake-up call on the protection of children in Sierra Leone.
According to court proceedings, Mustapha was subjected to brutal punishment by his grandfather, Abubakarr Jalloh, who tied the child’s hands to a wooden stick and poured hot water mixed with pepper on them after accusing him of returning home late. The child was then left in agony without immediate medical attention.
The injuries became severely infected and, despite opportunities to seek proper treatment, the child’s condition deteriorated. Eventually, both arms were lost, leaving him permanently disabled for life.
The incident has shocked many Sierra Leoneans because of its cruelty and because the abuse was committed by a family member entrusted with the child’s care and protection.
Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and depend on adults for safety, guidance, and support. When those responsible for their welfare become perpetrators of violence, the consequences can be devastating and lifelong.
Mustapha’s case raises important questions about child protection, parental responsibility, community intervention, and access to justice. It also highlights the urgent need for greater public awareness about children’s rights and the legal consequences of child abuse.
Sierra Leone’s Child Rights Act, 2007 clearly provides protection for children against abuse, violence, neglect, and inhuman treatment. The Act emphasizes that the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration in all matters affecting children. It also recognizes every child’s right to survival, development, protection, and participation.
The Constitution of Sierra Leone equally guarantees the protection of human dignity and fundamental human rights. No child should be subjected to torture, cruel treatment, or degrading punishment under any circumstances.
Beyond national laws, Sierra Leone is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Article 19 of the Convention requires states to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, abuse, neglect, maltreatment, or exploitation while in the care of parents, guardians, or any other person responsible for them.
Similarly, Article 37 of the Convention prohibits torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of children.
The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child also obligates governments to protect children from all forms of abuse and harmful treatment.
Mustapha’s ordeal demonstrates why these laws and international agreements exist. No child should suffer such pain, neglect, and permanent disability because of the actions of an adult.
While the guilty plea entered by Abubakarr Jalloh represents an important step toward accountability, justice must go beyond punishment. Mustapha will require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, educational support, psychological counseling, and social assistance to help him navigate the challenges of living without both arms.
Government institutions, child protection agencies, civil society organizations, disability rights groups, and development partners should work together to ensure that Mustapha receives the support he needs.
This case should also encourage communities to report suspected child abuse immediately. Too often, violence against children is dismissed as discipline or treated as a private family matter. Such attitudes allow abuse to continue unchecked and place children at greater risk.
Every child has the right to grow up in a safe environment free from fear, violence, and neglect. Protecting children is not only the responsibility of parents; it is the responsibility of families, communities, institutions, and the nation as a whole.
As Sierra Leone reflects on the tragedy that has befallen young Mustapha, the country must renew its commitment to enforcing child protection laws and safeguarding the rights of every child. The loss suffered by this five-year-old can never be reversed, but his story should inspire stronger action to ensure that no other child endures a similar fate.
