Secret Society Forces Young Man and Family into Hiding
By Mohamed Konneh
Traditional practitioners of female genital mutilation (FGM) have established deep roots in Sierra Leonean culture and politics, fostering a culture of fear among women and girls while presenting significant threats and obstacles to those opposing the custom. This Traditional Secret Society, known for its practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), is mandatory within Isatu Turay's family. It carries an ancestral legacy that has designated her to succeed her late mother as a Sowei, bearing the title of Ya Koloneh, responsible for initiating women and girls into the Bondo society. This compelled Ernest Osman Kanu to flee with his fiancée, Isatu Turay, and their young daughter, Alimatu Kanu, to an unknown destination.
On the night of July 3rd, 2022, Ernest escaped with his family from Isatu's village in Kenema District, the northern part of Sierra Leone to avoid forceful initiation and participation in the Bondo society, anticipating being on the run due to a case of wounding with intent. The escape was prompted by the death of Isatu's mother, who tragically died by suicide on July 1st, 2022, in Waterloo. The late Mrs. Fatmata Turay, who held a position of authority as a Sowei, carrying the title 'Ya Koloneh,' was responsible for initiating women and girls into the Bondo secret society, which practiced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The practice of the Bondo society is widely embraced by many families in Sierra Leone, which has led to several progressive young men and women going into hiding and fleeing their homeland completely to avoid such harmful traditions.
The death of Isatu’s mother presented an opportunity to appoint a successor, and Isatu was then earmarked to take over her mother’s role and to circumcise Alimatu in preparation for her future succession. Isatu, accompanied by her fiancé Ernest and their daughter Alimatu, attended the burial ceremony of her late mother. From eyewitness accounts during the unfolding ceremonies, Ernest found himself separated from his family. Isatu and Ernest’s mother, along with other permitted elders, women, and girls, were secluded in a designated secret bush or house, where Isatu was given a traditional liquid medication to drink, meant to prepare her mind for the tasks assigned by the elders. Meanwhile, Ernest and Alimatu remained in the visitors' room. Suddenly, Isatu’s condition changed, and she became unconscious. The Soweis then brought traditional items, including circumcision tools, and Isatu was sent with an elderly societal woman to collect Alimatu from her father.
Further information revealed that Ernest observed the unsettling changes in Isatu’s demeanor upon her return to collect Alimatu from her father’s custody, prompting the father to voice his opposition to subjecting his daughter to circumcision, citing potential physical and emotional harm. Additionally, he expressed apprehension regarding Isatu assuming the Ya Koloneh title, fearing spiritual consequences. The elderly woman promptly informed the elders of Ernest's concerns and objections, leaving him with no alternative but to flee the village with his fiancée and daughter.
Despite Ernest’s efforts to protect his family, their escape has sparked outrage and concern within the community. Elders view their departure as a betrayal of cultural and ancestral responsibilities, and efforts are underway to locate and bring them back to face traditional consequences.
Report states that, the community elders and family members have formally lodged a complaint against Ernest, citing a series of alleged crimes, notably disrespect and cultural interference, deemed by the community as an “Abomination”. This matter has been escalated to both the Town Chief and local law enforcement. Currently, authorities are actively pursuing Ernest and his family, both domestically and internationally, following their disappearance subsequent to the reported incident on July 3rd, 2022. Despite efforts, the whereabouts of Ernest and his family remain elusive, with even extended family members unaware of their current location.
This deeply rooted cultural practice has sparked intense debate surrounding the protection of women's rights and the eradication of harmful traditional rituals like FGM. As the search for Ernest, Isatu, and Alimatu continues, their story has brought international attention to the challenges faced by communities in Sierra Leone working to uphold human rights while preserving cultural identities.
