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The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, has urged calm as investigations begin into an alleged case of forced female genital mutilation (FGM).
The comments follow explosive allegations made by a woman, Binta Kamara, who claims she was abducted and forcibly subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during a Bondo society initiation.
The allegations surfaced after a video circulated on social media showing a disguised speaker detailing the harrowing account of being taken against her will. The victim has since filed a formal complaint with the police, though no official findings have yet been released.
In a video address posted to Facebook, the First Lady explicitly condemned the act of forced circumcision, stating that if Kamara’s allegations are proven true, those responsible must be brought to justice.
However, she warned against the trial-by-social-media that has gripped the nation since the video’s release.
“We should allow the authorities to investigate the matter,” Bio said, emphasizing that severe criminal allegations must be handled through official legal channels rather than online rumor mills. She has advised Kamara to work directly with the Minister of Gender and the Minister of Internal Affairs to ensure her case is prioritized.
Bio, who has faced recent scrutiny for her own participation in Bondo ceremonial dances, used the address to defend her long-standing advocacy work. She pointed to her flagship “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign as proof of her commitment to protecting vulnerable women, asserting that her respect for cultural dance does not equate to an endorsement of abuse.
The First Lady reiterated the government’s legal stance on the Bondo society, noting that the law strictly prohibits the initiation of minors. “If the individual is not 18 and not willing to undergo circumcision, it should not happen,” Bio stated, adding that adult participation must remain a personal choice.
