Four Men Charged in Sierra Leone’s First Child Marriage Prosecution

He confirmed this is the first occasion that charges have been brought against anyone for offenses related to contracting, consenting to, or facilitating child marriage. He added, ‘Before 2024, we faced conflicting legislation; one of these, the Customary Marriage Act, permitted parents to consent if the bride was a minor.’

He explained that two years ago, customary law was abolished, establishing a new legal framework that allows prosecution of anyone involved in the marriage of a person under 18.

The four men involved in this landmark case face charges of contracting a marriage with a child, consenting to child marriage, and aiding and abetting child marriage.

The bride’s father is accused of facilitating the marriage between one of the defendants and the child, and of playing an active role during the ceremony, allegedly ensuring that the marriage proceeded successfully.

Gender activists have swiftly welcomed the unprecedented development. The president of the all‑female lawyers’ organization, Legal Access through Women Yearning for Equality Rights and Social Justice, told the BBC she felt ‘extremely happy.’

Menisa Sesay said the case demonstrates that the legal reforms they have long advocated are finally being enforced, validating their mission to protect the rights of vulnerable women and girls.

According to a recent Human Rights Watch report, as many as 30 percent of girls in Sierra Leone marry before the age of 18, with some brides in rural areas reportedly as young as 14.

Activists had previously warned that, despite stringent laws, offenders were not being held accountable.

‘The charges brought against the four… are reassuring that there is light at the end of the tunnel for women and girls in Sierra Leone,’ Sesay said.

Additional reporting by Natasha Booty

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