In Sierra Leone, at least three girls died after undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in January 2024.

Local news reported that Kadiatu Bangura, 17, died after being “forcefully initiated” by the women-only Bondo secret society as part of a rite of passage into adulthood. Police said Salamatu Jalloh, 13, died from bleeding.

Another victim, Adamsay Sesay was just 12 years old.

In 2021, Maseray Sei, a 21-year-old mother, died from acute haemorrhage and shock after being subjected to FGM. Nobody has been brought to justice in Maseray’s case, and Sierra Leone has yet to see a single conviction for any FGM-related incidents. 

Alarmingly, these are not isolated instances. Numerous women and girls in Sierra Leone are known to have lost their lives due to FGM, but the true number is likely to be higher as deaths go unreported because of the secretive nature of the practice and fears of repercussions against those who speak out.

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