By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A United States citizen, Fode Sitafa Mara, 41, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday in Maryland after a federal jury convicted him of sexually abusing two teenage girls in 2022 and 2023 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, while he worked at the US embassy.
Life Sentence for US Embassy Worker
The United States Department of Justice confirmed that Mara received his sentence after a two-week trial in October 2025 at a federal court in Maryland.
A jury found him guilty of four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. He was also convicted of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. In addition, jurors found him guilty of attempted obstruction of justice.
According to prosecutors, the abuse occurred at a residence leased for US diplomatic personnel in Ouagadougou. Because the property served official US purposes, it fell under American jurisdiction. As a result, US authorities prosecuted the case in Maryland.
Abuse Exploited Vulnerable Teenagers
Prosecutors said the victims were aged 13 and 15 when the abuse began. Both girls came from a vulnerable background.
Mara allegedly exploited their circumstances for about a year. He provided them with mobile phones to contact them while his wife was at work. He then summoned them to the residence.
Moreover, prosecutors said he used the girls’ mother’s life-threatening illness to manipulate them. He allegedly told the girls he would not help them unless they gave him sex in return.
He also sent sexually explicit messages to one of the victims. Furthermore, he attempted to persuade a housekeeper to mislead investigators.
US Authorities Vow Tough Action on Child Sexual Abuse
US Attorney Kelly Hayes for the District of Maryland said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes.
“Our message is clear, those who prey on our children will pay a hefty price,” Hayes stated.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva also condemned the crimes. He said no sentence could undo the harm caused. However, he stressed that the outcome shows offenders will face severe consequences.
The case formed part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation.
International Cooperation in Investigation
US authorities investigated the case with assistance from Burkina Faso officials. The cooperation strengthened the prosecution and ensured accountability.
Officials said the life sentence sends a strong message. American citizens who commit child sexual abuse abroad will still face justice at home.
