A 35-year-old man has been arrested for sexually abusing his 11-month-old niece in Betania fokontany, Ankazomborona rural commune, Marovoay district. The suspect was referred to the prosecutor last Thursday and is being held in provisional detention at Marofoto pending trial.
According to witnesses, during a family gathering, the uncle asked to take the infant, claiming he would buy her biscuits. Two hours later, when they returned, relatives noticed the child's face was swollen and she appeared very weak. Her underwear was missing, and when her mother attempted to change her, severe injuries were discovered on her genitals. The victim was immediately rushed to the local health center.
Medical examination revealed serious genital injuries and traces of dirt in her mouth. The alleged perpetrator initially attempted to settle the matter by offering 20,000 ariary to the family, but they refused and filed a complaint. He subsequently tried to flee but was arrested by police.
Sexual violence against minors is increasing in Mahajanga. Last year, a 9-year-old girl was raped by her father over three years after her mother left for Mahajamba in 2023, leaving the children in his care.
Child welfare and education are generally neglected in Mahajanga. The absence of parents, particularly mothers, and family separation contribute to such incidents. Authorities and child rights officials are urged to implement lasting solutions and severe penalties to combat child sexual abuse. Rape is recognized worldwide as a serious crime, yet Madagascar's authorities have been slow to apply exemplary sanctions to protect children.