Somali outrage at rape of girls aged three and four
- Published
Reports of rape have increased in Somalia in recent years
The government in Somalia has condemned the abduction and rape of two girls aged just three and four.
The doctor in charge of the hospital where they are being treated says they need major surgery.
An official said several arrests had been made following the attack which happened on Wednesday.
The parents say that the two cousins were walking home from school in Afgoye, close to the capital, Mogadishu.
They were seized by men who took them away and sexually assaulted them.
Their parents desperately searched the neighbourhood and found them alone the following day.
Women lead anti-rape protests in Somalia's Puntland region
大象传媒 World Service Africa editor Will Ross says the fact that the girls are aged just three and four has added to the shock in Somalia where reports of rape have increased in recent years.
It is thought that such horrific crimes have long been taking place but people are now more aware of the need to publicise the incidents in order to bring about change, he says.
- Published8 January 2018
- Published2 January
