By Sallieu S, Kanu
Freetown, July 9, 2026: Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, has issued a strongly worded statement questioning both Parliament and international campaigners over their handling of female genital mutilation (FGM), accusing critics of selective outrage and politically motivated attacks.
Mrs. Bio, who has previously faced accusations abroad of promoting FGM, dismissed the claims as baseless, insisting that none of her national programmes or flagship initiatives have ever endorsed the practice. She alleged that the All People’s Congress (APC) initially fueled the narrative internationally but has now instructed its networks to remain silent locally to avoid being perceived as anti-FGM.
Five Questions Raised by the First Lady
- Parliament’s refusal: Why has Sierra Leone’s legislature failed to vote in favour of banning FGM despite its role as custodian of national laws?
- Selective criticism: Why were accusations directed at her internationally, while MPs who opposed the 2025 FGM Bill faced no similar scrutiny?
- Targeting of Fatima Bio: Why has she become the focus of global campaigns when FGM has never been part of her programmes?
- Silence in Sierra Leone: Why have critics avoided attacking her domestically, fearing it could boost her popularity and sympathy?
- True campaigners: Who genuinely opposes FGM, and who uses it for donor funding while privately engaging with Sowies and Bondo women?
The First Lady stressed that Sierra Leoneans deserve transparency and consistency in the national debate on FGM. “Public debate must be based on facts, consistency, and accountability, not selective outrage or politically motivated attacks,” she declared, pledging to remain “humble in service and accountability” to the people.