Woman Fled Amid Pressure To Lead Bondo Initiation Society
A 34-year-old woman, Kadiatu Kamara, is reportedly on the run after family and community members allegedly attempted to force her to inherit the role of initiator of young girls into the Bondo Society, a practice widely associated with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Relatives insist that Kadiatu must replace her aunt and guardian, Fatu Kanu, at the Sowe shrine or risk what they describe as “terrible consequences” for the family. Fearing for her safety and refusing to participate in the practice, Kadiatu fled her community a few months ago and has not been seen since, according to family sources.
A close relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of persecution, said Kadiatu was herself initiated in her teenage years without her consent, an experience that left her with long term health complications and dreadful experience. The relative further disclosed that Kadiatu lost her 17-year-old daughter after the girl was forcefully initiated by other relatives, despite her mother’s objections. A complaint was reportedly filed with the police at the time, but no action followed. The source explained that Fatu Kanu, who is childless and raised Kadiatu as her own, is the head of the local Sowe Union and has been under increasing pressure from society members to present Kadiatu as her successor. “She is the only one my aunt can call her child, so they say she must inherit her,” the relative said.
The same relative also revealed that in April 2025, Kadiatu was allegedly attacked by members of the Sowe Union who were hell bent on taking her to the shrine to perform initiation rituals. During the incident, she reportedly resisted and escaped, but in the process seriously injured one of the attackers. A complaint was subsequently filed with the police, and Kadiatu is now said to be a wanted person who may face prosecution if found. The family fears that this has further exposed her to danger, both from law enforcement and from members of the secret society who believe she has disgraced them.
Human rights advocates say the psychological impact of such demands on survivors of forced initiation can be severe. Being compelled to take part in the same practice that caused personal trauma and the loss of a child can reopen deep emotional wounds, leading to fear, anxiety, and lasting mental distress. Survivors often face impossible choices between family loyalty, community pressure, and personal safety, with rejection of the practice sometimes resulting in social isolation, threats, or violence.
Female Genital Mutilation remains a frightening reality for many girls in Sierra Leone. The procedure, often carried out without medical supervision, can result in excessive bleeding, infection, complications during childbirth, and in some cases death. Children and young girls, many of whom are not fully informed about what will happen to them, are especially vulnerable, and the secrecy surrounding initiation rituals makes accountability difficult.
Critics also point to what they describe as the government’s continued reluctance to impose a full legal ban on FGM, citing political sensitivity and cultural considerations. The practice has also received public support from influential women, including the First Lady and other prominent figures, who argue for preserving tradition while promoting safer methods. Activists, however, say repeated efforts to push for an outright prohibition have failed, leaving girls unprotected and families like Kadiatu’s without meaningful legal protection when abuses occur.
The anonymous relative has now appealed directly to the authorities to help locate Kadiatu and ensure her safety. The family also called on the government to take stronger action against forced initiation and to consider a total ban on FGM. “She has already suffered enough and lost her own child to this practice,” the relative said. “She should not be hunted because she refuses to harm other girls. We are begging the government to protect her and to protect all our daughters from this suffering.”
