Sierra Leone’s First Lady Refuses to Condemn FGM Without “Reliable Data”

First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, president of OAFLaD, told the Guardian she will not publicly condemn female genital mutilation until she sees reliable data on its harms. Her comment triggered a joint letter from over 20 health professionals, survivors and activists demanding clarification.

The Guardian

FGM is classified as a grave human-rights violation. The UN General Assembly called for a global ban in 2012. In 2025 the ECOWAS Court of Justice called it “one of the worst forms of violence against women” that “meets the threshold for torture” and ordered Sierra Leone to criminalise the practice. President Julius Maada Bio, Fatima’s husband and ECOWAS chair, has not publicly addressed the ruling.

The Guardian

A national survey showed the share of women cut fell from 90 % in 2013 to 83 % in 2019, with 71 % of procedures occurring before age 15. Sierra Leone has no law criminalising FGM; the rite is performed by sowei of the Bondo and Sande societies.

The Guardian

Bio said her remarks were taken out of context and intended to encourage dialogue and reassure marginalised women. She stressed she opposes forced circumcision and is not campaigning for or against it, framing criticism as misrepresentation by individuals. The ECOWAS court order remains unimplemented, and the 2025 Child Rights Act signed by President Bio contains no FGM provision.

The Guardian

Over 20 signatories warned that perceived support for FGM undermines years of advocacy and misaligns with national, regional and international commitments. Ranya Kargbo called Bio’s encouragement of sowei “an absolute slap in the face”. Bio’s Facebook posts labelled anti-FGM campaigners “scammers” and accused them of doing nothing for the country, prompting activist backlash.

The Guardian

• “When you are in a leadership position, your words matter,” — Ranya Kargbo, senior UN professional and FGM survivor.

The Guardian

• “I am not in favour of any form of circumcision that is forced upon an individual.” — Fatima Maada Bio.

The Guardian

• “not using her voice to campaign either in favour of or against circumcision” — Fatima Maada Bio.

The Guardian

• “they do nothing for our country” — Fatima Maada Bio (referring to anti-FGM campaigners).

The Guardian

• “one of the worst forms of violence against women” — ECOWAS Court of Justice.

The Guardian

Bio’s call for reliable data conflicts with activists who cite existing surveys showing high prevalence and health harms; no official mortality data or legislation exists to quantify the problem.

The Guardian

ECOWAS court order requires Sierra Leone to enact criminal legislation on FGM. Groups urge government to adopt ruling, publish health data and align the Child Rights Act with anti-FGM commitments.

The Guardian