By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has raised alarm over the ongoing challenges faced by women serving in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), highlighting serious concerns about alleged sexual harassment, domestic violence, and rape. These disturbing issues have been alleged persisted within the military, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect the safety and dignity of female personnel.
A particularly shocking case has recently come to light. Colonel Kwame Francis Kanu, a senior officer within RSLAF and the Commander, Training Command at Benguema, has been detained following serious allegations of raping a female junior officer, name withheld, of the same unit. According to sources, the incident took place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Colonel Kwame’s quarter, Villa 3, Hill Cut Junction, Wilberforce in Freetown. It is alleged that the Colonel forced a female officer under his command to prepare food for him. As a subordinate, she had no choice but to comply. The Colonel was subsequently detained on the same day, April 23, 2025, as authorities launched a thorough investigation into the matter.
This alarming case brings into sharp focus the need for military authorities to address allegations of sexual violence within their ranks with the utmost seriousness and transparency. CHRDI, which previously raised concerns about sexual harassment and domestic violence within the RSLAF in January 2022, is calling for a prompt and transparent investigation into the current case to ensure justice is served and the integrity of the armed forces is maintained.
According to our investigations, a medical report detailing the condition of the alleged victim supports the gravity of the accusations, with findings indicating general body pain, bitten lips, and vaginal eruption, all of which suggest aggravated sexual assault. The evidence suggests that the matter is one of extreme urgency and requires a specialized legal approach.
Rape and other sexual offenses are considered serious criminal matters and must be treated with the utmost gravity, both within the military and beyond. The courage shown by the female officer in coming forward to report such a senior officer, coupled with the supporting medical report, points to a potential prima facie case of sexual assault.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, there are questions surrounding the jurisdiction and capacity of the RSLAF’s internal court systems. While the RSLAF’s court martial may address civilian offenses, including rape under section 72 of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone Act 1961, the established Sexual Offences Model Court (SOMC) in Sierra Leone should be considered the appropriate forum for handling such cases. The SOMC, established in 2020, specifically deals with rape and other sexual offenses, ensuring that victims can testify safely while protecting their identities.
Furthermore, CHRDI emphasizes that the military police may not possess the same level of specialized training as civilian law enforcement officers in handling sensitive cases such as rape. Given this, the organization advocates for the immediate referral of the case to the civilian police for a fair and thorough investigation.
The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act of 2019 grants the Attorney General the authority to prosecute sexual offenses directly in the high court, bypassing the need for a committal trial. This legal framework, along with the expertise of the Sexual Offences Model Court, makes it imperative that this case be handled by civilian authorities to ensure a swift, fair, and transparent process.
CHRDI has called for the immediate handover of Colonel Kanu to the civilian police, urging that justice be served promptly and fairly in line with established legal standards.
As the investigation continues, it is alleged that this case is not just an isolated incident but part of a broader issue of gender-based violence within the armed forces. The urgent need for reforms to address these systemic issues and safeguard the rights of female military personnel is more apparent than ever.
This medium contacted the Director of Defence Public Relations and Information at the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Issa Bangura, for clarification regarding the rape allegation involving a senior officer. Colonel Bangura confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation and assured that further information would be provided once the investigation report is finalized. This medium remains committed to publishing the outcome once it becomes available.
