Sierra Leoneans protests over the death of a 5-year-old rape victim

On Monday, June 22, 2020, a nationwide protest erupted in Sierra Leone in which thousands of Sierra Leoneans came out on the streets of Freetown, the capital and several other districts in the country in demonstrations of the death of a 5-year-old girl, who died on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, after she was allegedly raped.

According to an autopsy result, it was confirmed that the girl was raped and that led to her sudden death. Details in the autopsy result seem to be too upsetting and disturbing.

Protesters who came out to the streets said they are seeking justice for victims of rape and sexual penetration in Sierra Leone, as there are other young girls that are going through a lot every other day.

Meanwhile, sexual abuse offences and rape over the years have increased and according to the Sierra Leone Police Annual, Crime Statistics Report over 3,252 cases related to rape and sexual penetration were registered in 2019, of which the majority are children and girls.

So far, investigations into the death of the deceased girl are ongoing and the First Lady, Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio has called on the police to look into this matter with intelligence

Speaking with Sal Jalloh, lead coordinator for one of the protesting groups “Justice 4 Kadija Movement,” he condemns the act of sexual penetration and violence against girls and women in Sierra Leone.

They as protesters are seeking justice for the 5-year-old girl and all other girls and women who suffered sexual offences, but their voices haven’t been heard and their cases have been compromised by either the police or family members.

“We came out to send out a strong message and that message is very simple enough is enough. We have seen an increase in rape cases all over our country, women and girls are the targets of this devilish act. Some will feel it is a fight for women, but I say it is a fight for us men if only we want to restore sanity in our society and country as a whole. It is a fight that we must win together,” said Sal Jalloh.

He further calls on the Government to act now, laws to be enforced, and tough penalties to be enacted so that perpetrators will face the full penalty of the law as fast as possible.

Last year, the president of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio declared rape a national emergency, and the country’s sexual offences laws were tightened. Also, the First Lady’s Hands Off Our Girls Campaign” has been advocating for violence against women and girls, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy.