Four men have been charged in Sierra Leone’s first prosecution under the country’s child marriage law, marking a major step in enforcing legislation that outlawed the practice in 2024.
The accused, who include the father of a 17-year-old girl and the man alleged to have married her, are expected to appear in court over the alleged forced marriage. The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed to protect the victim.
The defendants face charges of contracting a child marriage, consenting to child marriage, and aiding and abetting the offence.
If convicted, they could each face a minimum prison sentence of 15 years, a fine of about $4,000, or both. The law also provides penalties for anyone who participates in or attends a child marriage ceremony.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay described the case as the first prosecution under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, calling it a landmark in the country’s efforts to end child marriage.
According to Sesay, previous legislation had allowed parents to consent to the marriage of minors under customary law, but the 2024 Act abolished that provision and criminalised all marriages involving persons under the age of 18.
Prosecutors alleged that the girl’s father facilitated the marriage and played an active role in ensuring the ceremony was conducted successfully.
The case is linked to an alleged forced marriage that took place in Grafton, on the outskirts of the capital, Freetown.
Women’s rights advocates have welcomed the prosecution, describing it as a significant breakthrough in protecting girls from forced marriages.
Menisa Sesay, president of the Legal Access through Women Yearning for Equality Rights and Social Justice, said the charges demonstrated that the legal reforms campaigners had fought for were finally being enforced.
Human Rights Watch estimates that about 30 per cent of girls in Sierra Leone are married before the age of 18, with some in rural communities reportedly forced into marriage as young as 14.
Rights groups have previously expressed concerns that despite the introduction of stricter laws, there had been little enforcement against offenders. They say the latest prosecution signals a stronger commitment by authorities to tackle child marriage and protect vulnerable girls.
