Senegal: Jean-François Kouderin Abass Ndao 100 Millions FCFA Trial

• Jean-François Kouderin testified in court three years after his newborn died at Abass Ndao hospital in Dakar, having been crushed in a washing machine in July 2023, with a verdict now pending.
• Three hospital employees, two nurses and a laundress, were on trial for involuntary manslaughter, claiming they were unaware the baby's body was in the laundry, and a verdict is awaited.
• The parents, as civil parties, are seeking 100 million FCFA in damages and interest for moral and material prejudice.
• Mr. Kouderin recounted his wife witnessing the child's bone remains and the couple requiring psychiatric support due to the trauma.
• Their lawyer argues that both the hospital and the State are responsible for fully compensating the family for the negligence.

The demand for 100 million FCFA by Jean-François Kouderin against Abass Ndao hospital for the loss of his child sets a notable precedent for medical malpractice cases in the region.

Three years following the tragic death of their newborn at Abass Ndao hospital in Dakar, Jean-François Kouderin recently provided his testimony before the correctional court. The trial concerning the demise of his infant, who was tragically crushed in a washing machine in July 2023, was recently heard by the correctional court. The incident occurred within the neonatology service, where, after the baby's death, its body was mistakenly placed in laundry destined for the facility's laundry room. A verdict is currently pending, set for December 17, 2026.

Mr. Kouderin recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that his son had initially received care in a hospitalization room before being transferred to the Kangaroo room. This was the last place he and his wife saw their child before leaving the medical establishment. He described the distressing moment when medical personnel informed him that a baby had been crushed in the machine, initially without realizing it was a human being. The profound impact of the event was further compounded when his wife witnessed the remains of their child's bones being removed.

The emotional toll on the parents has been severe, necessitating psychiatric and psychotherapeutic support in the aftermath of the tragedy. This deeply traumatic event highlights the critical need for stringent protocols and heightened vigilance within healthcare facilities, especially concerning the handling of deceased patients, to prevent such devastating oversights. The case, often referred to as the "bébé broyé Abass Ndao procès," has drawn significant public attention in Senegal.

The correctional court recently heard the case against three hospital employees implicated in the incident. Nurses Ndèye Birame Sylla and Rose Niang Diop, along with laundress Astou Diène, face charges of involuntary manslaughter. All three defendants have stated that they were unaware of the infant's presence inside the laundry bag, forming the core of their defense.

During a hearing on September 10, 2026, Jean-François Kouderin detailed his family's experience, underscoring the circumstances that led to the child's death and the subsequent discovery. His testimony is crucial as the court seeks to establish the chain of events and the degree of responsibility held by each party. The parents, acting as civil parties in the proceedings, are seeking substantial reparations for the profound losses they have endured.

This trial underscores the severe legal and financial liabilities faced by healthcare institutions and their staff in Senegal for gross negligence leading to patient death. The legal battle, which recently concluded its hearings, aims to ascertain accountability for the tragic death of the newborn, focusing on the alleged negligence that allowed such a catastrophic error to occur within a medical setting in Dakar. A verdict is expected on December 17, 2026.

In their pursuit of justice, Jean-François Kouderin and his wife are demanding 100 million FCFA in damages and interest. Their legal representative argues that both the Abass Ndao hospital and the State bear responsibility and must provide full compensation for the extensive moral and material damages suffered by the family. This significant claim for indemnisation décès nourrisson hôpital reflects the immense emotional distress and the perceived institutional failures surrounding the incident.

The demand for 100 million FCFA by Jean-François Kouderin against Abass Ndao hospital for the loss of his child sets a notable precedent for medical malpractice cases in the region. Lawyers advising hospitals or representing victims of medical malpractice should monitor the outcome of this case closely, particularly regarding the substantial damages sought, as it could significantly influence future claims and compliance standards for responsabilité médicale Abass Ndao and other healthcare providers across Senegal.

This case highlights the critical importance of robust safety protocols and accountability within the healthcare sector to prevent future instances of negligence. The outcome will not only determine the compensation for the grieving family but also send a strong message regarding the standards of care and the legal consequences of medical errors in Senegal.

This ongoing trial underscores the severe legal and financial liabilities faced by healthcare institutions and their staff in Senegal for gross negligence leading to patient death. Lawyers advising hospitals or representing victims of medical malpractice should monitor the outcome, particularly regarding the substantial damages sought, as it could influence future claims and compliance standards.

Source: Original reporting via Les Échos and exclusif