In a historic ruling delivered on June 25, 2026, from Banjul and Abuja, the ECOWAS Court of Justice found Sierra Leone culpable for neglecting its duty to shield a minor from child marriage and its grave repercussions.
The complaint, initiated in February 2024 by the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) and AdvocAid Limited, involved a girl who was given in marriage at just 11 years old in 2017. This union subjected her to exploitation and precarious circumstances, which eventually led to her 2021 conviction for the homicide of her co-wife’s child. She endured four years in custody before being granted a presidential pardon in August 2025.
The tribunal determined that Sierra Leone had failed to enforce sufficient preventive measures against child marriage, neglected to properly investigate the infringement despite obvious evidence, and shirked its duty to shield minors from gender-based violence. The government has been directed to enact legal and structural overhauls, prosecute the individuals accountable for arranging the minor’s marriage, and ensure she receives psychological support and rehabilitation. Additionally, the Court awarded the victim $10,000 in damages.
Celebrating the outcome, AbdulMalik Bello of IHRDA characterized it as “a win that extends beyond the minor in this particular case to every girl vulnerable to child marriage across the region.” Willetta Hughes, Legal Manager at AdvocAid, reinforced this sentiment, stating: “This ruling clearly demonstrates that the protection of girls hinges on active enforcement, not just the existence of robust legislation.”
This judgment follows Sierra Leone’s recent adoption of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024) and the Child Rights Act (2025), both of which criminalize the practice. Observers suggest the ruling highlights the critical necessity for implementation and liability, especially in West Africa where child marriage persists due to cultural traditions, religious norms, and economic hardships.
Human rights organizations contend that this decision marks a substantial advancement in regional legal precedents, affirming that states cannot remain inert when faced with child marriage. AdvocAid and IHRDA have reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring the state fully complies with the Court’s directives and will persist in championing enhanced protective measures for girls throughout the region.