Sierra Leone's government has long promoted itself as a champion in the fight against sexual violence, spearheading initiatives such as the "Hands Off Our Girls" campaign and amending the 2019 Sexual Offences Act to introduce life sentences for rapists.
These measures positioned the country as a leader in the global push for women's rights and protection from sexual violence. Yet, recent developments reveal a troubling inconsistency between the government’s public stance and its handling of sexual assault allegations within its own ranks.
Silence in the Face of Serious Allegations
The
recent rape allegations against Dr. Denis Sandy, a high-ranking government
official, have sparked widespread outrage. The claims surfaced in a video where
a young woman accused Dr. Sandy of attempted rape. Despite the serious nature
of the allegation, the government's response has been silence, with no
investigation or public statement addressing the matter.
This
lack of accountability is concerning. In a nation that has declared sexual
violence a national emergency, this silence undermines the credibility of
Sierra Leone’s efforts to combat the scourge of sexual abuse. It also calls
into question whether the government’s aggressive stance on sexual violence is
truly universal, or if it selectively applies only to certain segments of
society.
The Larger Pattern of Inaction
The
allegations against Dr. Sandy are not an isolated incident. A disturbing
pattern has emerged, where accusations of sexual misconduct involving
high-profile officials are met with inaction. This trend extends to other cases
where individuals in positions of power are implicated in sexual violence, yet
the government has consistently failed to address these accusations publicly or
legally.
This lack of response starkly contrasts with the government's proactive efforts on the international stage. In November 2022, for example, Sierra Leone led a successful push at the United Nations General Assembly to establish November 18th as a day to spotlight sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
While
this was celebrated as a proud achievement, the lack of accountability for
similar abuses within Sierra Leone undermines the country’s global advocacy.
The Hypocrisy of Selective Justice
The
Sierra Leonean government’s public steps to address sexual violence such as the
2019 national emergency declaration on rape and the harsh penalties outlined in
the amended Sexual Offences Act are commendable. However, when it comes to
holding powerful figures accountable, there is a marked lack of the same
urgency and transparency.
This hypocrisy sends a dangerous message: that the laws created to protect women and children are enforced selectively, and that power shields individuals from justice.
It emboldens those accused of misconduct, allowing them to remain in
office and enjoy the privileges of power while their alleged crimes go
unpunished. For survivors, this reality fosters a culture of fear and silence.
Many are left believing that coming forward with their experiences will lead to
victimization or be dismissed entirely.
Rising Sexual Violence and Government Inaction
The
government's selective enforcement of justice coincides with a worrying rise in
sexual violence across the country. Reports of rape and sexual assault have
increased in recent years, pointing to a growing crisis that needs more than
legislative action it demands leadership and accountability at every level.
When the political elite are not held to the same standards as the rest of the population, it erodes public confidence in the justice system.
How can the
government expect citizens to respect the laws meant to protect the vulnerable
when it does not apply them? The silence surrounding
allegations like those against Dr. Sandy exacerbates this problem and sends a
chilling signal to perpetrators: their status may protect them from
consequences.
The
government’s failure to act also creates a ripple effect, further entrenching the
culture of impunity. As survivors continue to see high-profile individuals
evade justice, they are less likely to come forward, fearing that their voices
will not be heard or that their efforts will lead to further suffering. This
impunity emboldens not just political elites but perpetrators across all strata
of society.
International Credibility at Risk
Sierra Leone’s global reputation as a leader in the fight against sexual violence is also at risk. While the country has secured notable achievements on the international stage, these accomplishments lose their weight when contrasted with the government’s inaction at home.
The disparity between Sierra Leone’s
international advocacy and its domestic failures is stark. On the global stage,
Sierra Leone promotes itself as a nation committed to justice for survivors of
sexual violence. However, within its own borders, survivors are often denied
the same access to justice.
This
dissonance not only affects the country’s credibility but also its moral
standing. Sierra Leone cannot continue to push for international treaties that
secure justice for survivors if it fails to provide the same level of
protection to its own citizens. The fight against sexual violence cannot be
selective; it must be a universal commitment, applying to all, regardless of
their position or status.
A Betrayal of National Values
The government's silence on sexual assault allegations within its ranks is not just a legal or political failure it is a betrayal of Sierra Leone's national values. The country has prided itself on leading the charge to protect women and children from sexual violence.
However, this commitment rings hollow when
high-profile individuals accused of misconduct are shielded from investigation
or consequences.
This failure to act also undermines Sierra Leone’s hard-won progress in gender equality and the protection of human rights. If the government truly wishes to uphold its reputation as a leader in the fight against sexual violence, it must begin by holding its own officials accountable.
The laws and policies designed
to protect survivors must be applied universally, with no exceptions for those
in power.
The Path Forward
The government’s inaction in cases involving individuals like Dr. Sandy has far-reaching implications. Without accountability, Sierra Leone risks not only its credibility but also its ability to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
The country must recommit to its fight against sexual violence,
starting with a transparent and thorough investigation of all allegations,
regardless of who is implicated.
Justice
for all, not just for some, is the only way forward. Sierra Leone’s leadership
must take decisive action to show that no one is above the law and that the
fight against sexual violence is not just a matter of international diplomacy
but a domestic priority. Only then can the country truly claim to be a global
leader in this crucial battle.
The government’s silence must end, and in its place, there should be swift justice and accountability for all those involved in allegations of sexual misconduct. Sierra Leone’s future depends on it.