Reports indicate that in Somalia, an eight-year-old girl who had been missing for six months was found living with a man who claimed to be her husband, sparking widespread outrage.
This incident has intensified concerns about child marriage in the region. While specific details about this case are limited, similar occurrences have been reported in the past.
For instance, in 2009, a 112-year-old Somali man married a 17-year-old girl, highlighting the prevalence of child marriages in Somalia.
Additionally, in 2020, there was significant public outcry when Somalia’s parliament considered a bill that would allow child marriage once a girl’s sexual organs mature, raising international concern about the protection of young girls in the country.
Child marriage remains a critical issue in Somalia and neighboring regions, often leading to severe consequences for young girls, including loss of education, health complications, and exposure to domestic violence.
Efforts by local and international organizations continue to focus on raising awareness and implementing laws to protect children’s rights and prevent such practices.