Faced with the increasing number of cases of rape and femicide rocking Chad, the authorities have moved up a gear. Through an ordinance issued on January 21, the government has toughened its campaign against violence targeting women.
Under the terms of the ordinance, persons found guilty and complicit in a forced or arranged marriage will be sentenced to a prison term of five to ten years. Other additional penalties such as deprivation of parental authority or guardianship for at least ten years are provided for.
Domestic violence, not criminalised in the current penal code, is now punishable by six months to three years of imprisonment with a fine ranging from 500,000 to 5,000,000 CFA francs.
Sexual harassment is punishable by a sentence of six months to three years in prison and a fine of one to five million CFA francs.
Rape remains punishable by eight to fifteen years in prison as provided for in the current penal code. With aggravating circumstances, the sentence can reach thirty years.
Incest is now punishable by one to five years in prison with a fine of up to five million CFA francs.
Female genital mutilation will meet severe punishment. The minimum sentence is one year and the maximum ten years. If it is practiced by a medical establishment, the closure of the premises and the ban on practicing
the profession are provided for.
The document states that all traditional practices harmful to women constitute common law offenses and are punishable according to the texts in force.
CA/te/fss/as/APA