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By  Ragan M. Conteh

The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) has, in a press conference, raised concerns over the recent torture on a woman at Kangama Gorama town, Gorama Chiefdom, Kono district.

According to a press statement read by one of the the pupils, it reads:

“The attention of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) has been drawn to a recent unfortunate incidence of a physically and emotionally torture of a woman (whose name is withheld for now) by a group of women at a Bondo Bush in Kangama town, Gorama Chiefdom, Kono District.”

The press release further states that FAHP wishes to express extreme concern over the inhumane, degrading and human rights violation perpetrated against this woman. This gruesome crime was heartlessly carried out at an unsecured place. It is hoped that places must be well-protected to ensure and maintain the dignity of the Sierra Leonean women. Rather, the palace in this story represents a place of torture, a prison and a perfect hide-out to execute such a serious offense, according to FAHP.

“The victim was physically assaulted with visible grievous bodily harm, beaten and disgraced to the extent of shaving her head and her private part and to make matters. Worse, she was even forced to drink spiritual concoction (manessie) which made the victim to have suffered from a psychological trauma, “the e release states.

Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) recognizes that the incident in question is presently a subject matter of Police investigation. However, the circumstances which led to such a barbaric conduct has no place in modern time civilization and particularly so,

Cannot be applauded by the Law of Sierra Leone, No one is above the Law and therefore should not take the Law into their own hands to the extent of torturing, imprisoning and assaulting the victim in such a manner.

This incident brings to clear sight some of the unknown and secret cruelty that goes on in some of these Bondo bush places and it gives a further insight into the possible many crimes that have taken place and may continue to be carried out in these places if due care and attention is not given to the dire concerns of well-meaning Organizations like  the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) which are tirelessly bringing to the attention of government and other stakeholders of the growing incidents been perpetuated in these Bondo Bushes and  it is becoming a national concern.

In the meantime, FAHP is following up with the Ministry of Gender, its partners in Kono, other stakeholders and the Police on the issue, to ensure the safety of the victim and also to bring the perpetrators to face the full extent of the Law as a retribution for their barbaric act.

FAHP calls on Government through the Ministries of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Social Welfare, Local government, Public and Political Affairs to:

  1. Ensure the safety of the Victim and her family,
  2. Reduce the number of Bondo bushes,
  3. Monitor Activities within, the these Bondo bushes Ensure that Justice for the victim.

FAHP, a leading advocacy group against human abuse and violations, has concluded a National High Profile Dialogue with Stakeholders in Port Loko.

The essence of the dialogue was to underscore a review of the National Strategy for the Reduction of FM/C.

In 2015, the Government of Sierra Leone through the then Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, including UN Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations drafted a National Strategy for the Reduction of FGM/C. The Strategy was set to run for the period of 2016 to 2020.

It was a detailed and comprehensive roadmap of interventions to prevent, reduce and end incidences of FGM/C in Sierra Leone.

The strategy was never approved regardless of the national consultations and validations and engagements with the previous government of Sierra Leone.

Series of engagements were being held recently with the line Ministries of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Public and Political Affairs, Social Welfare, Education, Local Government and Rural Development and Internal Affairs of the current government and political parties to influence the approval of the Strategy but it is still being faced with challenges in getting a way out.

The Strategy was meant to enhance Government’s commitment in the fight against FGM/C in the country. The engagement had a massive turnout of MPs, Mayors and Paramount Chiefs from various districts. The engagement was fruitful and stakeholders pledged their allegiance to supporting the approval of the strategy.