The shocking story of the rape and humiliation of Guinean women, perpetrated by the country's military last week in the course of suppressing a political demonstration, is put in perspective.
The actions of the military have been viewed at with disgust, even revulsion, in a country which sees rape and degradation of women as alien to its culture..
Which begs the question.. what makes elements of an institution meant to protect ordinary people resort to rape and dehumanising the very people it has sworn to protect?
The answer to that question is perhaps that beyond the loss of a sense of duty to protect, something even more fundamental is lost.. the sense of a common humanity..
A sense of common humanity is something the State, through its commitment to justice, fair play, and the upholding of citizens' rights, would do well to preserve..
