The phenomenon of prostitution of minors in the Central African Republic is causing increasing concern. In the capital, Bangui, young girls aged 12 to 16 find themselves forced to choose this path to survive. Most of them are orphans, having lost their parents during the military-political crises that shook the country. Without guidance or support, they often drop out of school to pursue what is considered the oldest profession in the world.
The Tiringoul district, located in the 5th arrondissement of Bangui, is particularly affected by this phenomenon. In the evening, around twenty young girls gather around the kiosks and refreshments, dressed in suggestive outfits. They wait for potential customers, hoping to earn money to meet their needs. Their daily life is made up of meetings with men, often several per night. Salaries vary, but they can earn between 15,000 and 40,000 FCFA (around 23 to 61 euros) in a single day.
However, this harsh reality has tragic consequences on their health. According to a study by the Central African Social Marketing Association (Acams), the rate of sexually transmitted diseases among young prostituted girls in Bangui reaches more than 30%. These adolescents are exposed to the risk of contracting HIV-AIDS, thus putting their lives in danger.
Faced with this worrying situation, the Soleil de Centrafrique association seeks to support these young girls by offering them income-generating activities. The aim is to help them escape from this dangerous environment and reintegrate them into society. These activities can range from beaded bag making to hotel making to sewing, depending on each girl’s skills and interests. But beyond the material aspect, the association insists on the importance of changing the mentality of these young girls, in order to help them rebuild themselves psychologically and envisage a better future.
It is crucial to emphasize that prostitution of minors is considered pedophilia under Central African law. However, it remains difficult to prosecute and convict customers, as they can be difficult to identify and catch.
The worrying situation of minor prostitution in the Central African Republic is a complex problem which requires collective action on the part of authorities, associations and society as a whole. It is essential to put in place appropriate protection and support measures for these vulnerable young girls, in order to offer them a better future, far from the dangers of prostitution.