Diana Christiana Belinda Alabi, one of the leading and well-known social and human rights activists in Sierra Leone, has been forced into hiding after receiving numerous threats over her consistent and fearless campaign against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – ‘Bondo secret society’, in the country, especially in her community, Kuntoloh, Wellington in the east end of Freetown.
Diana’s campaign launched a few years ago through her organisation – Divine Global Sanctuary Foundation, has faced serious challenges and threats. As a result of her uncompromising stance against this barbaric act, the heads of the Bondo society, known as the ‘Sowies’ have repeatedly threatened to initiate her forcefully if she does not desist from the campaign.
Several authorities, including state and local leaders have countlessly summoned her through the Sowies for allegedly exposing and violating the sacred rules of the secret society through her campaigns against their acts and practices.
On 15th November 2024, she was physically confronted, molested and injured on her head by some unknown persons believed to be working under the hire of the Bondo society leaders. She had to flee the community, leaving her children behind. She was verbally threatened that whenever she returned to the community, she would be initiated.
Thinking that complaining the sad incident to the authorities will save her life, Diana got the worse disappointment after she reported to the local chiefs and nothing was done to investigate her assailants, instead, she was allegedly advised by some chiefs to just desist from campaigning against the Bondo Secret Society if she want to live long and have peace.
This unfortunate advice from the local authorities, who are supposed to be protecting her, left Diana with no option but to come to realise how well-connected and powerful the members of the Bondo Society were in the country, so she decided to flee for her life. But before going into hiding, she was battling with her health because she was Diabetic.
She spent the past two years campaigning in rural districts to educate families about the health risks and lifelong trauma associated with FGM. Her work gained national attention earlier this year when she helped rescue two girls who were being pressured to undergo the procedure.
But that visibility, according to one Diana’s former close associates, who preferred not to be named in this article for fear of being chased, came with a cost.
She said the threats started quietly, with anonymous calls, messages telling Diana to stop speaking against Bondo, adding, “People started following her. They knew where she works and where she sleeps or be at a particular moment. That was when she realised her life was no longer safe.”
Community leaders have criticised anti-FGM activists for “interfering” with cultural traditions, while youth groups aligned with Bondo initiators have grown increasingly hostile.
According to Diana’s associate, a group of young men confronted Diana outside a village meeting two months ago, warning her that “consequences” would follow if she continues with her campaign. She said, “They accused her of bringing shame to our ancestors. One man said clearly that if she did not stop, she would ‘disappear like dust’. She knew they were not joking.”
Human rights organisations have confirmed that threats against activists opposing FGM have risen sharply in recent years. Many female campaigners report harassment, family pressure, and even attacks for speaking out.
Sierra Leone remains one of the few West African countries without a national ban on FGM, and the practice remains deeply tied to the Bondo initiation ceremony for girls.
The police claimed that they have opened an inquiry into the threats, but many people have little or no faith on the police, considering how widely connected and protected are the leaders of the Bondo society are in the country.
Diana’s campaign launched a few years ago through her organisation – Divine Global Sanctuary Foundation, has faced serious challenges and threats. As a result of her uncompromising stance against this barbaric act, the heads of the Bondo society, known as the ‘Sowies’ have repeatedly threatened to initiate her forcefully if she does not desist from the campaign.
Several authorities, including state and local leaders have countlessly summoned her through the Sowies for allegedly exposing and violating the sacred rules of the secret society through her campaigns against their acts and practices.
On 15th November 2024, she was physically confronted, molested and injured on her head by some unknown persons believed to be working under the hire of the Bondo society leaders. She had to flee the community, leaving her children behind. She was verbally threatened that whenever she returned to the community, she would be initiated.
Thinking that complaining the sad incident to the authorities will save her life, Diana got the worse disappointment after she reported to the local chiefs and nothing was done to investigate her assailants, instead, she was allegedly advised by some chiefs to just desist from campaigning against the Bondo Secret Society if she want to live long and have peace.
This unfortunate advice from the local authorities, who are supposed to be protecting her, left Diana with no option but to come to realise how well-connected and powerful the members of the Bondo Society were in the country, so she decided to flee for her life.
She spent the past two years campaigning in rural districts to educate families about the health risks and lifelong trauma associated with FGM. Her work gained national attention earlier this year when she helped rescue two girls who were being pressured to undergo the procedure.
But that visibility, according to one Diana’s former close associates, who preferred not to be named in this article for fear of being chased, came with a cost.
She said the threats started quietly, with anonymous calls, messages telling Diana to stop speaking against Bondo, adding, “People started following her. They knew where she works and where she sleeps or be at a particular moment. That was when she realised her life was no longer safe.”
Community leaders have criticised anti-FGM activists for “interfering” with cultural traditions, while youth groups aligned with Bondo initiators have grown increasingly hostile.
According to Diana’s associate, a group of young men confronted Diana outside a village meeting two months ago, warning her that “consequences” would follow if she continues with her campaign. She said, “They accused her of bringing shame to our ancestors. One man said clearly that if she did not stop, she would ‘disappear like dust’. She knew they were not joking.”
Human rights organisations have confirmed that threats against activists opposing FGM have risen sharply in recent years. Many female campaigners report harassment, family pressure, and even attacks for speaking out.
Sierra Leone remains one of the few West African countries without a national ban on FGM, and the practice remains deeply tied to the Bondo initiation ceremony for girls.
The police claimed that they have opened an inquiry into the threats, but many people have little or no faith on the police, considering how widely connected and protected are the leaders of the Bondo society are in the country.
