Human rights organisations are intensifying calls for Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio to outlaw female genital mutilation (FGM) after a significant court ruling classified the practice as tantamount to torture.
Court Declares FGM a Form of Torture
A recent judicial decision in Sierra Leone has condemned FGM, equating it with torture under international human rights law. The ruling has reignited demands for legislative action to protect women and girls from the harmful tradition.
Activists Demand Immediate Action
Campaigners argue that President Bio now holds sole authority to enact a nationwide ban. "The matter is in his hands alone," stated a spokesperson from a leading anti-FGM coalition. "This ruling provides the legal foundation—now political will is needed."
The Devastating Impact of FGM
- Over 80% of Sierra Leonean women have undergone FGM
- Practices often performed on minors without consent
- Leads to severe health complications including haemorrhage and PTSD
Global Context and Local Resistance
While 28 African nations have banned FGM, Sierra Leone remains a holdout despite being party to international conventions against torture. Traditional leaders continue defending the practice as a cultural rite, creating political challenges for reformers.
The president's office has yet to respond to the court's decision, leaving activists in suspense about whether this watershed moment will translate into concrete policy changes.
