Rape a national crisis in Sierra Leone

FREETOWN: Sierra Leone’s president has officially declared a national emergency on rape and sexual violence in a major step towards addressing the issue in the country.

President Julius Maada Bio said that each month, hundreds of cases of rape and sexual assaults are being reported against women, girls and babies.

He said some deaths included 3-month-olds and that 70% of survivors are younger than 15.

Bio wants to raise awareness since thousands of cases are unreported because of a culture of silence or indifference.

He said he has now made sexual penetration of minors punishable by life imprisonment.

The law carries a maximum penalty of 15 years, and very few cases have been prosecuted.

Bio’s declaration comes after months of campaigning by activists. |