5 Countries In Africa Where Child Marriage Is Allowed

Child marriage is a violation of child’s right and it is detrimental to the growth of society, a situation that is allowed in some countries in Africa.

Here are five countries in Africa where child marriage is allowed.

Niger

Niger has the highest child marriage rate in the world for the past 20 years, with 76% of women aged 20 to 24 getting married before turning 18, and up to 28% getting married by the age of 15.

Somalia

Somalia has the eighth highest rate of child marriage worldwide, with approximately 45% of girls getting married before turning 18, according to investigation.

Mali

Mali has the fifth highest prevalence of female child marriages globally, with 15% of 15-19 year old girls married by age 15, compared to 18% of women aged 20-49.

Nigeria

Nigeria has high child marriage rates, one of the highest in Africa, despite the federal Child Rights Act prohibiting marriage below 18. The mention of Nigeria as one of the countries where child marriage is prevalent has been especially tested by the violation of the law by prominent political leaders.

Sudan

Due to a rigid interpretation of Sharia law, child marriage is permitted in Sudan, allowing both boys and girls to get married as early as age 10.

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