Ages of consent in Africa

The ages of consent for sexual activity vary by jurisdiction across Africa. The specific activity engaged in or the gender of its participants can also be affected by the law. Below is a discussion of the various laws dealing with this subject. The highlighted age refers to an age at or above which an individual can engage in unfettered sexual relations with another who is also at or above that age. Other variables, for example homosexual and/or sodomy provision(s) that are illegal or close in age exceptions may exist and are noted when relevant. Most countries in Africa have no age of consent.

Algeria

The age of consent in Algeria is 16 for vaginal intercourse. "Heterosexual Sodomy" (anal and/or oral sex with an opposite-sex partner) is illegal {Article 388 of the Penal Code}. As well as all same-sex sexual conduct {Article 338} and "outrages to public decency" {Article 333}. The punishment for both the first two activities with those under 18 years of age is more severe for the older participant. Fact|date=April 2007

Burundi

The age of consent in Burundi is 18 years. There is no other information cite web |url=http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/ |title=Legislation of INTERPOL member states on sexual offences against children |format=HTML |publisher=INTERPOL] .

Cape Verde

The age of consent in Cape Verde is 16 years, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender.Fact|date=March 2007.

Egypt

The age of consent in Egypt is 18 years, for heterosexual males and females, sex work is illegal and the sex work law has been used against male and female homosexuals .

Kenya

The age of consent in Kenya is 16 years, for heterosexual males, females and female homosexuals. Male homosexuals get 25 years in prison. .

Madagascar

Age of consent is 14 years, according to article 331 in the Criminal Law. In certain cases, including relatives and homosexuals, it is 21 years. [http://droit.francophonie.org/df-web/publication.do?publicationId=2486 Droit francophone: Code Pénal du 17 juin 1972 mis à jour au 30 juin 1998]

South Africa

Since 1 January 2008, the age of consent in South Africa is 16 years, regardless of sexual orientation and gender-neutral.

Rwanda

The age of consent in Rwanda is 18 years, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender.

Uganda

The age of consent in Uganda is 18 years, for vaginal intercourse. "Heterosexual Sodomy" (anal and/or oral sex with an opposite-sex partner) is illegal and can lead to prison as for all same-sex sexual conduct (males and female), face life imprisonment Fact|date=November 2007.

Zimbabwe

The age of consent in Zimbabwe is 16 years for heterosexual males, females and lesbian females. Having sex with a minor gives rise to charges of statutory rape. Case law gives guidance to the years of imprisonment, with age difference between participants playing a role in sentencing (usually between 12 to 16). Fact|date=February 2007. All male same-sex hand-holding and/or male same-sex sexual conduct can lead to one year's imprisonment
* [http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/07/071706zimbabwe.htm Same-sex hand-holding illegal]
*LGBT rights in Zimbabwe.

ee also

*Ages of consent
*Ages of consent in Asia
*Ages of consent in Australia and Oceania
*Ages of consent in Europe
*Ages of consent in North America
*Ages of consent in Central America
*Ages of consent in South America

References