By Emma Black

The Parliament of Sierra Leone unanimously passed a groundbreaking Bill criminalizing the initiation of children under 18 into the Bondo secret society, a traditional rite long tied to female genital mutilation (FGM), offenders now face a fine of 100 million Leones or a lengthy jail term, marking a bold step toward child protection.

On July 3, 2025, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Thomas, declared the era of tolerating such practices over, stating, the days of overlooking these inhuman behaviors are gone, this law will dismantle any attempt to violate a child’s rights, the legislation addresses mounting concerns over health risks FGM’s severe physical and psychological toll human rights abuses, and cultural tensions across Africa, where such rites remain contentious.

Health experts highlight that FGM, often performed during Bondo initiations, can lead to infections, childbirth complications, and trauma, disproportionately affecting young girls. Human rights advocates applaud the move as a victory against gender-based violence, aligning with international standards like the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the child yet, cultural defenders argue it challenges Sierra Leone’s traditions, sparking debate over balancing heritage with modern ethics.

The Bill’s passage follows years of advocacy by civil society and pressure from global bodies, though enforcement may face resistance in rural areas where Bondo holds sway, the government plans to launch awareness campaigns and train law enforcement to ensure compliance, targeting a shift in societal norms by December 2025.

As Sierra Leone awakens to this historic change at this hour, it signals a pivotal moment in safeguarding its youth while navigating cultural complexities.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednsday,9th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)