– As Women’s Groups Demand Legislation to Criminalize FGM
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Feminists Coalition, representing five prominent advocacy groups, has called for immediate government action, including the urgent passage of comprehensive legislation to criminalize FGM nationwide. The women’s rights organizationscmcern comes after reports emerged of 502 girls graduating from a Sande bush school in Konia, Lofa County, on August 8, 2025—an event that they fear may have involved illegal Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) ceremonies.
The Coalition—comprising medica Liberia, Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia, Liberia Feminists Forum, Sisters 4 Sisters Liberia, and Radical Young Women Initiative—stressed that while cultural traditions must be respected, practices that violate human rights and endanger lives cannot be tolerated. FGM, recognized internationally as a form of gender-based violence, has been banned in Liberia since the National Council of Chiefs and Elders declared a permanent moratorium in February 2023. However, the lack of a formal law criminalizing the practice has left enforcement weak and inconsistent.
“This graduation ceremony raises serious red flags,” said a Coalition spokesperson. “Without a strong legal framework, we risk allowing harmful traditions to persist under the guise of culture. Liberia must act now to protect its girls.” The incident has reignited debates over the country’s failure to fully domesticate international treaties such as the Maputo Protocol, which explicitly calls for the elimination of FGM, as well as CEDAW and the CRC, which mandate protections for women and children from harmful practices.
The Coalition’s demands come amid growing frustration over Liberia’s delayed legislative action. While over 40 African nations have enacted laws against FGM, Liberia remains one of the few countries without specific criminal penalties, relying instead on a non-binding moratorium. Activists argue that this legal gap enables perpetrators to evade accountability, as seen in the Lofa County case.
The Coalition has outlined urgent steps for the government, including a full investigation into the Konia graduation, stronger enforcement of the existing ban, and—most critically—the passage of a national law criminalizing FGM with strict penalties for violators. They also called on traditional leaders to honor their 2023 pledge to end the practice and adopt alternative rites of passage that preserve cultural identity without physical harm.
Community engagement is equally vital, the Coalition emphasized. “Parents and elders must understand that FGM has no health benefits—only lifelong risks, including infection, childbirth complications, and trauma,” said a representative from Sisters 4 Sisters Liberia. “We can celebrate our heritage without endangering our daughters.”
In response to the reports, the Minister of Internal Affairs suspended Paramount Chief James Tarnue of Lorma Chiefdom and Clan Chief Bigboy Kokulo of Zeyeama Clan with immediate effect following an investigative meeting in Zorzor on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
During the meeting, Minister Nyumalin confronted the two leaders about their inaction while at least ten communities under their jurisdiction continued operating banned Sande initiation schools. A preliminary investigation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs revealed these illegal activities were being conducted for personal and economic gain, in direct violation of the government-backed policy established by the National Council of Chiefs.
Minister Nyumalin issued a stern warning that the ministry will hold local officials personally responsible for failing to enforce laws and regulations in their areas of authority. The suspended chiefs stand accused of allowing traditional leaders known as Zoes to conduct initiation ceremonies that reportedly include the dangerous practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).
The suspensions will remain in effect pending the finalization of ongoing investigations, with Minister Nyumalin emphasizing that no one is above the law, including those who might hide behind Liberia’s cherished cultural traditions. This enforcement action comes as Liberia faces increasing pressure to strengthen its measures against FGM, which remains prevalent despite the 2023 moratorium.
A 2024 survey by the Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) found that nearly 40% of Liberian women aged 15–49 had undergone FGM, with rates exceeding 60% in rural areas. Internationally, Liberia’s reluctance to legislate against FGM has drawn criticism. “The world is watching,” said a human rights advocate. “Liberia cannot claim to champion gender equality while avoiding the tough steps needed to eradicate this abuse.”
