First Lady, Fatima Bio, has announced her withdrawal from a scheduled appearance at a UK-based event, citing concerns over misrepresentation, anti-Female Genital Mutilation, and external pressure (FGM) and questions surrounding the credibility of the organisers.

In a video statement posted online, the First Lady explained that her office had earlier publicised her participation as a keynote speaker at the Global Women’s Forum, reportedly scheduled on June 8-9 at Cambridge University. However, she said, subsequent findings revealed that the event was not officially organised by the university but rather by a private individual, Dr Ebufori Kengiami, who had only secured a venue at Cambridge.

According to Mrs Bio, her engagement with Dr Kengiami dates back to September last year, when she was invited to New York to receive an award recognising her work in Sierra Leone, across Africa, and globally, particularly her advocacy for girls. She said she attended the event and shared the platform with other First Ladies, including leaders of African, Caribbean and South American First Ladies’ groups.

Following that engagement, Dr Kengiami reportedly invited her to participate in a similar programme in the United Kingdom, aimed at showcasing the work of First Ladies. Mrs Bio said she consented in principle and allowed her office to handle arrangements, while she focused only on confirming her availability.

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However, the First Lady stated that concerns began to arise after she received what she described as an “ultimatum” from a journalist affiliated with The Times newspaper, demanding that she publicly condemn Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or face backlash.

“I found the approach disrespectful,” she said, noting that no institution or individual should issue ultimatums to a representative of a sovereign state.

Prompted by the incident, Mrs Bio said she personally investigated the event and discovered discrepancies between the initial briefing given to her office and the actual nature of the programme. This led her to question the legitimacy of the event and its organisers.

Further concerns emerged, she said, when organisers allegedly informed her office that certain anti-FGM campaigners were objecting to her participation. Upon requesting their identities, Mrs. Bio claimed she was provided with names of individuals she described as affiliated with the opposition All People’s Congress (APC).

The First Lady criticised the group, alleging that they had consistently opposed her initiatives, including campaigns against rape and early marriage. She also questioned their commitment to anti-FGM advocacy, accusing them of focusing their activities abroad rather than within Sierra Leone.

“I have never said I support FGM,” Mrs. Bio stated. “What I have said is that I will not join their campaign because I do not believe in their motives.”

She further argued that effective advocacy requires widespread engagement and grassroots impact, rather than what she described as limited, performative efforts aimed at securing international funding.

Mrs. Bio also noted that none of the named individuals had ever formally presented her with data or proposals regarding FGM, despite her eight years in office.

In light of these developments, the First Lady said she made the decision to withdraw from the UK programme, emphasising that she is not seeking platforms for visibility.

“I am not looking for platforms,” she said. “Those who need the platform should use it. My work speaks for itself.”

The First Lady concluded by reiterating her commitment to her existing initiatives in Sierra Leone, while distancing herself from what she described as a “misrepresented” and “unnecessary” event.