The Sierra Leone government’s silence on the rape allegations of Dr. Sandy undermines the fight against sexual violence – The Sierra Leone Telegraph

Mackie M. Jalloh: Sierra Leone Telegraph: October 9, 2024:

The government of Sierra Leone is proud to be leading a global charge against sexual violence, with initiatives that extend from the local to the international stage. With groundbreaking campaigns, including ‘Hands Off Our Girls’, and other bold measures such as the 2019 amendment to the Sexual Offenses Act, which introduced life sentences for rapists, the government has positioned itself as a champion of women’s rights.

But beneath the surface of this progressive facade lies a darker, more disturbing reality: allegations of sexual abuse and harassment within the ranks of government that continue to be ignored.

This issue goes beyond any individual accusation; it represents a growing crisis of responsibility within the highest positions of power.

Recently, allegations have surfaced against a prominent minister. Instead of tackling them head-on, the government has opted for a chilling silence.

The alleged attempted rape of a young woman, revealed in a public video, was not investigated. This is not just an isolated case. It is part of a larger pattern that has many questioning whether Sierra Leone’s fight against sexual violence only applies to the public and not the political elite.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of reports of sexual violence across the country. This increase coincides with what can only be described as selective enforcement of laws designed to protect women and children.

While the government has taken public steps to tackle rape and abuse, the same force is lacking when the suspects are individuals in positions of power.

The hypocrisy is glaring, as many officials with accusations hanging over their heads remain unscathed, continue to hold office and enjoy the privileges that come with public office.

In 2019, the country was gripped by outrage as several high-profile cases of sexual misconduct came to light. The government’s response was to declare a national emergency on rape and sexual violence, which was seen as a bold and necessary step.

At the time, there were promises of swift justice, harsher sentences and an unyielding commitment to protecting the vulnerable. However, that commitment now appears conditional, as numerous cases involving individuals within the government have not been addressed.

This failure to take action has far-reaching consequences. Sierra Leone has positioned itself as a global leader in the fight against sexual violence, supporting United Nations resolutions and pushing for international treaties to guarantee access to justice for survivors worldwide.

In November 2022, a resolution of the UN General Assembly, led by the country’s leaders, declared November 18 as a day to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and abuse. It was a proud moment for Sierra Leone on the international stage.

However, this international advocacy rings hollow if there is no accountability for similar abuses that occur within the country’s own borders.

The continued protection of those accused of sexual misconduct sends a dangerous message: that power protects. This inaction not only emboldens the accused, but also creates a culture of fear among survivors, who may feel that coming forward will only lead to further victimization. (Photo above: Dr. Sandy on the left is accused of raping the young lady on the right).

It is a chilling reality when those charged with protecting the country’s women and children are the very ones hiding behind their positions of power, safe from investigation or consequences.

Moreover, the increasing number of cases of sexual violence in Sierra Leone shows no signs of slowing down. The government’s refusal to take strong action on high-profile cases sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country.

Survivors often have no choice but silence, knowing that even the loudest calls for justice will fall on deaf ears.

As reports of rape and sexual assault increase, the lack of accountability at the top of the political ladder is creating a ripple effect that permeates all levels of society.

If the government fails to lead by example, how can it expect others to respect the laws designed to protect the vulnerable?

Sierra Leone’s credibility on the world stage is also at risk. While President Bio’s government has been commended for securing access to justice for survivors of sexual violence through international treaties, the same access is glaringly absent for survivors in the country.

The disparity between the government’s international achievements and its domestic failures cannot be ignored. If Sierra Leone wants to maintain its hard-won reputation as a global leader in the fight against sexual violence, it must first address the unresolved cases within its own borders.

Ultimately, the silence around allegations of sexual violence in Sierra Leone’s political landscape is not just a moral failing – it is a betrayal of the country’s values ​​and the women and children it claims to protect.

The government must take immediate, decisive action to investigate and address these allegations. Justice for all, not just some, is the only way forward. Without accountability, Sierra Leone risks losing not only its credibility, but also its moral compass in the fight against sexual violence.