By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 2nd June 2026- First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has responded to allegations made by a 30-year-old woman who claims she was forcibly initiated into the Bondo Society and subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), while the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has confirmed that the woman is currently under protection and that investigations are ongoing.
The case came to public attention following a report by Truth Media detailing allegations by a woman identified as “Bintu Kamara”, a pseudonym used to protect her identity, who claimed she was forcibly circumcised by Bondo Society leaders in the Moeyaba Community in eastern Freetown on May 14, 2026.
Speaking in response to the report, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio said she does not support any form of circumcision carried out without a person’s consent. She reiterated that Sierra Leone’s position is that only individuals aged 18 and above who voluntarily choose to join the Bondo Society should undergo initiation.
“When I watched the video, I was concerned by the allegations because what was described is not a good thing,” the First Lady said.
However, she urged the alleged survivor to cooperate fully with authorities, stating that publicly pursuing justice could help protect other young women from similar experiences.
“If what happened to her is true, she should come forward so that those responsible can be held accountable,” she said.
The First Lady also addressed criticism over her association with the Bondo Society, maintaining that she has always been open about being a circumcised woman and that her personal experience differs from those who report suffering harm from the practice.
She said she could not condemn the entire institution based solely on experiences different from her own, while acknowledging that other women have the right to speak about their experiences.
Fatima Bio further rejected suggestions that her participation in cultural celebrations with Bondo women amounted to an endorsement of underage initiation or forced circumcision.
“I am a traditional woman, and I will dance with them. Dancing with them does not mean I support circumcision of children,” she said, emphasizing that Sierra Leone’s law permits initiation only for consenting adults aged 18 and above.
The First Lady concluded by encouraging the survivor to work with law enforcement and relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has confirmed that it intervened after learning of the allegations.
Deputy Director Hannah Lahai Robinson said the ministry immediately contacted the Family Support Unit (FSU) at Ross Road Police Station, where officers confirmed receiving a formal complaint from the survivor and taking her statement.
According to Robinson, ministry officials also engaged the whistleblower who helped expose the case and verified that the woman had gone into hiding for safety reasons.
The ministry subsequently worked with partners, including the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, to secure protection for the survivor.
“Currently, Bintu is in a safe home,” Robinson confirmed.
She added that ministry officials continue to monitor the investigation and maintain contact with police regarding developments in the case.
Robinson further disclosed that the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police has taken an interest in the matter and that the case has now been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
However, no arrests have been made so far because the Sowei identified as the principal suspect, is reportedly not in town.
The allegations have reignited national debate over FGM, consent, women’s rights, and the role of traditional societies in Sierra Leone. Authorities say investigations remain ongoing.
