Soldier “rapes” inside barracks

The Regimental Sergeant-Major RSM of the 9^th Battalion of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces at Simbakoro in Kono district has confirmed that one of his soldiers had sex with a 14-year-old girl whose father is also a serving soldier. A Freetown lawyer says a minor cannot give consent in sex hence it amounts to rape or “unlawful carnal knowledge” as it is known in legal lingo. RSM Abu Bakarr Kamara told Politico that there was nothing the army could do to the alleged rapist, Pvte Mohamed Kamara 18180467 because the father of the rape victim, himself a soldier, had already reported the matter to the civilian police in Koidu. He said that if the police needed him they would hand him over. The girl’s father, Ernest Sillah told Politico that his daughter was deflowered some two months ago but the fear instilled in her made her refuse to report the matter. He said that when he eventually came to know about it on 9 September he reported to the military authorities in the barracks but alleged that they attempted the cover it up saying they wanted “to protect the image of the army”. He said that he therefore chose to go to child rights organisations and the Rainbow Centre who advised him to go to the police. Once he reported to the police, a series of tests were carried out on his daughter at the Rainbow Centre, which proved that she had been deflowered but was free of any sexually transmitted diseases. He said the military high command did not show any interest in the case until Politico called them during the course of our investigations. He said he was approached by senior and junior ranking military personnel and religious leaders to drop the matter but said that he was determined to press on with it “until I get justice for my daughter” he told Politico. Pvte Sillah said the Family Support Unit at the Tankoro police station was looking into the matter. The Rainbow Centre which looks after victims of sexual violence confirmed that the girl was taken to them and they did carry out tests on her which showed as reported. (C) Politico 24/09/13