Unveiling the Shadows: FGM in Sierra Leone and the Elusive Political Will

By Uzman Unis Bah

In the heart of West Africa, Sierra Leone grapples with a travesty that tarnishes the very fabric of its society — Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Despite global efforts to eradicate this harmful practice, Sierra Leone seems caught in a quagmire of political reluctance. The question that begs an answer is: Why does the country lack the political will to obliterate this blatant violation of human rights?

At the heart of this inertia lies a complex web of vested interests, where politicians seemingly prioritize support from the "soweis" — a formidable group of initiators wielding influence through their vast membership. These initiators, with their entrenched traditions, stand as gatekeepers to a cultural rite that has persisted for generations.

While the international community advocates for the abolition of FGM, Sierra Leone's political landscape appears entangled in a delicate dance with tradition. Politicians, instead of challenging the status quo, find themselves leaning on the "sowehs" for crucial support during elections. This reliance perpetuates the reluctance to confront a practice deeply ingrained in Sierra Leonean culture.

The recent introduction of new terms and corridors for FGM, devoid of legal binding to ensure the safety of young girls, raises eyebrows. It appears as a veiled attempt to camouflage the inherent harm of the practice. The notion of pass-through ceremonies, presented as a form of indoctrination rather than initiation, seems more a ploy to subtly manipulate young minds.

In the spirit of transparency, one must question the motives behind such linguistic acrobatics. If something is inherently harmful, the need for euphemisms signals a troubling reluctance to confront reality. The stark truth remains: if it burns like fire, nobody should go near it.

Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads, where the blissful future of its girls hangs in the balance. To truly address the issue, there must be a resolute commitment to abandon the shackles of tradition that compromise the well-being of its female population. If something is bad, it is bad — and FGM, in all its guises, warrants unequivocal condemnation.

In echoing the sentiments of the United Nations – 'Female genital mutilation can neither be normalized nor used as a justification to invoke sociocultural and religious customs to the detriment of the well-being of women and girls,' the experts assert. The call is clear: Sierra Leone must find the courage to abolish FGM altogether. The global community watches, urging the nation to rise above political expediency and safeguard the fundamental rights of its women. The time for action is now, and the shadows of hesitation must be dispelled to pave the way for a future free from the travesty of Female Genital Mutilation.