Post a comment 
First Lady Fatima Bio has released a video message on Facebook addressing allegations surrounding her involvement with the Bondo society and claims of forced female genital mutilation, locally referred to as sacumcition.
The First Lady’s response follows criticism over her participation in a parade organised by members of the Bondo Secret Society in Kenema, an event described by campaigners as a pro-FGM procession.
In the video, Bio stated that she is not in favour of any form of circumcision carried out in a forced manner. She said the government of Sierra Leone has made its position clear in law, noting that individuals may choose to join the Bondo society at age 18 if they give consent.
“If Binta’s allegations are true, I condemn the act,” Bio said, referring to a woman named Binta Kamara who has made claims of forced FGM.
The First Lady noted that the person speaking in the video making the allegations is disguised and their face is not shown. She called on Binta to come forward and speak directly if she wants the First Lady’s involvement.
On her association with the Bondo society, Bio said her position is clear. “I never lie or withhold from anyone within the country to say I am going against Bondo society,” she said. Bio stated that she is a “sacrum size woman” and said she has had no issues resulting from the process she went through.
Responding to criticism over dancing with Bondo society women, Bio said she dances to her cultural beat. She recalled an event in Kenema where more than 100,000 women were out dancing, noting that not all of them are society members.
“They were not there to initiate anyone to the Bondo society or circumcision but they were there to dance to their cultural beat as African women,” she said.
Bio reiterated that under Sierra Leonean law the age for circumcision is 18, and that after that age, if a person is willing, it is their decision. She said that dancing with Bondo society members does not mean she supports the initiation of women under 18.
The First Lady advised Binta that if she seeks justice, she should contact the Minister of Gender and the Minister of Internal Affairs.
The controversy has drawn criticism from anti-FGM campaigners, including Alimatu Dimonekene, who previously expressed disappointment over the First Lady’s involvement in the Kenema parade.
“I struggle to understand how someone like the First Lady of Sierra Leone can champion the fight against violence against women and girls, while continuing to support Bondo (FGM),” Dimonekene said.
FGM remains a divisive issue in Sierra Leone, where supporters defend it as a cultural rite of passage, while health experts and human rights advocates warn of severe physical and psychological consequences.
