By Thaimu Thullah
One of Sierra Leone’s finest Civil Rights Activist, Manusu Kamara , report states, is presently facing death threats because of her activism against Female Genital Mutilation. Madam Kamara who stays in the Fourah Bay Community, Eastern part of Freetown has been facing death threats by influential women belonging to the Bondo Society. Bondo Society is part of Sierra Leone’s culture which doctrines are tied to certain rituals aimed at preparing young and upcoming girls to undergo Female Genital Mutilation as a way of traditional cleansing. This method of traditional cleansing was first introduced by Madam Yoko .Since it introduction, FGM has been part of Sierra Leone’ culture though being bastardised by cross section of the Sierra Leone community because of the harmful traditional practice that involved the cutting. It is believed that under this doctrines, girls undergoing FGM are taught the necessary domestic things to make them useful and industrious ahead of their future. While majority of women folks see this as an opportunity , others believe the act in itself is harmful and should not be tolerated. As part of her activism campaign, Madam Kamara has appeared on major radio stations denouncing the Bondo Society, an act which majority of the women deemed to be an affront to them and their authority. Few days ago, she was on radio Democracy discussing the harmful traditional practice of the Bondo Society when over four hundred Soweis stormed the office of the radio station.
The women were in possession of kitchen knives with high determination to let Manusu undergo the process as they believed majority of those critiquing their society are those who have not undergone the practice. Dressed in their traditional Soweis attire, the women surrounded the building sounding drums while singing local temne songs that demean women who criticises them. Madam Kamara was unable to come out of the building until the police came to her rescue. In another development, Kamara was again targeted at her residence where she narrowly escaped through the window with severe injuries on her leg. She has been declared wanted by the Soweis Women to forcefully get her initiated.
In all of these, authorities concern have failed to protect her and assured her of safety in society hence the need for her to go into hiding. Her family told this writer that for the past two weeks, Madam Kamara’s whereabouts is unknown and are worried that she might have been kidnapped or killed.
Campaign for Good Governance, a prominent Civil Society Organisation in one of their press releases called on the government of Sierra Leone to protect the Manusu Kamara who’s life they claimed was in danger. CGG National Coordinator Valnora Edwin told journalists at a news conference that Manusu Kamara is a victim of traditional harassment and therefore called on the security sector to assure her of her safety. She spoke that Sierra Leone was a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Humans Rights which guarantee the right of Manusu Kamara as a civil right Activist. She added that Madam Kamara’s life is as important as any senior citizen and therefore she deserved protection from government.
The Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission in a press release called on the Bondo Women to respect the right of Manusu Kamara referencing Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution which guarantee the rights to free speech.
Despite numerous calls and concerns from members of the public, Manusu Kamara’s life is still under threat .
As we go to press, Madam Kamara’s whereabouts remained unknown.