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First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has questioned the motives behind what she described as an international campaign linking her to the promotion of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), accusing elements within the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of being behind efforts to damage her reputation.
In a statement released publicly, the First Lady claimed she had been informed that the APC used anti-FGM campaigners and sections of the British media to portray her as a supporter of the practice, including through the signing of an EU Alert.
She, however, maintained that the allegations had failed because, according to her, no one in Sierra Leone could identify any programme or initiative of hers that promotes FGM.
Fatima Bio further alleged that the APC has changed its approach by instructing its networks not to publicly attack her on the issue within Sierra Leone, claiming that such criticism could create a perception that the party is against the fight to end FGM.
“If that is indeed the case,” she said, “then I have five simple questions for the people of Sierra Leone and the international community.”
Among the questions raised, the First Lady challenged Parliament’s decision not to pass legislation banning FGM, questioned why international critics focused on her rather than lawmakers who opposed the proposed FGM ban brought before Parliament in 2025, and asked why she had become the subject of global criticism despite claiming that FGM has never been part of her national programmes.
She also questioned why some international voices that criticised her remained silent on the issue within Sierra Leone, where she said facts could be openly examined.
The First Lady further asked who the “real anti-FGM campaigners” are, alleging that some individuals publicly condemn the practice while privately engaging with traditional groups, including Sowies and Bondo women.
Fatima Bio called for transparency and consistency in the national conversation on FGM, arguing that discussions around the issue should be based on facts, accountability, and genuine commitment rather than what she described as selective criticism or political motives.
“I have never hidden from difficult conversations, and I never will,” she stated, adding that public debate must focus on facts and accountability.
Her comments come amid ongoing national and international discussions over efforts to address FGM in Sierra Leone and the role of government, traditional leaders, activists, and lawmakers in shaping policies on the practice.
