By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Shocking reports have emerged from Konia, Lofa County, where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) activities resurfaced in early August, despite a government-imposed moratorium on the practice.
In February 2024, a large delegation comprising United Nations representatives, county citizens, chiefs, Zoes, and elders gathered in Vezela, Lofa County, to officially shut down Sande society “bush schools” that promote FGM. The closure was hailed as a milestone in Liberia’s fight against the harmful traditional practice.
However, more than a year later, photos and videos surfaced on social media showing over 500 women and girls graduating from a Sande bush school in Konia. The footage, widely circulated with the caption “In Konia, Lofa County, it’s reported that a Sande school graduated 502 girls yesterday,” sparked widespread outrage. The video shows young girls seated and singing, while elderly women in traditional attire dance around them.
Civil society groups, particularly women-led organizations, condemned the event, accusing local leaders of undermining national and international efforts to end FGM.
Photos from Vezela, Lofa County during closing of the bush in February of 2024.
