Midwife F. Diarra of Heinrich Lübke Hospital appeared this Thursday, November 27, at the Diourbel High Court. She is being prosecuted for failing to assist a person in danger and endangering the life of another following the death of a newborn last October.

The tragedy dates back to the night of Friday, October 17, 2025. Between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., a pregnant woman arrived at the Heinrich Lübke Hospital in Diourbel. She was in obstetric emergency and her delivery was imminent.

But the maternity ward staff reportedly refused to admit her. The reason given was a lack of available beds in the facility. The patient was sent home and left the hospital.

The situation became critical. The woman ended up giving birth in front of the hospital's entrance. The newborn died as a result of this lack of medical care.

F. Diarra was the midwife on duty at the time of the incident. She was arrested and remanded in custody last Tuesday. She faces charges of failing to assist a person in danger and endangering the lives of others, as reported by Seneweb.

On Thursday, November 27, the defendant was tried in a summary proceeding. The mother of the deceased newborn appeared in court as a civil party. She claimed one million CFA francs in damages to compensate for her loss.

Two years required, one of which is a mandatory minimum.

The prosecutor delivered his closing arguments. He asked the court to sentence the midwife to two years in prison. Of these two years, the prosecution requested that one year be served without parole.

The defense pleads for partial acquittal and leniency.

Serigne Diongue, one of the defense lawyers, spoke in defense of F. Diarra. He pleaded for acquittal on the charge of endangering the lives of others. Regarding the charge of failing to assist a person in danger, the lawyer asked the judge for leniency.

Verdict expected next Thursday

Following the closing arguments, the judge did not reach a decision. The case was adjourned for deliberation. The verdict will be delivered next Thursday.

The defendant risks spending a year in prison if the court follows the prosecutor's recommendation.