Story perspectives

Sierra Leone First Lady Defends FGM Amid Rights Outcry

6/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Doctors, survivors and lawmakers warned that First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s perceived support for female genital mutilation could breach international human-rights commitments.
Bio claimed her remarks were misinterpreted, posted a BMJ ethics article criticizing anti-FGM campaigns, and called activists scammers on Facebook.
President Bio has not acknowledged the ECOWAS court order requiring criminalisation of female genital mutilation.
The 2025 Child Rights Act contains no provisions on female genital mutilation.

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Story summary

Doctors, survivors and lawmakers warned that First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s perceived support for female genital mutilation could breach international human-rights commitments.
Bio claimed her remarks were misinterpreted, posted a BMJ ethics article criticizing anti-FGM campaigns, and called activists scammers on Facebook.
President Bio has not acknowledged the ECOWAS court order requiring criminalisation of female genital mutilation.
The 2025 Child Rights Act contains no provisions on female genital mutilation.