Sierra Leone has made it illegal to marry a girl under the age of 18.
The new law was brought in this week. President Julius Maada Bio signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act into a ceremony attended by his wife, First Lady Fatima Bio, and the First Ladies of Namibia and Cape Verde.
Anyone involved in the marriage of a girl under the age of 18 will be fined up to US$4 000, jailed for up to 15 years, or both.
It is estimated up to one third of Sierra Leonean girls under the age of 18 are married off against their will.
The new law will punish the person marrying the girl, her parents or guardians, and potentially even wedding guests.