AYV News, June 4, 2026
Former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into allegations that a 30-year-old woman was subjected to forced genital mutilation in Moyamba district.
In a public statement, Dr. Blyden urged the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Minister of Social Welfare, the Inspector General of Police, and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio to ensure that the allegations are fully investigated and not allowed to disappear without scrutiny.
Drawing on her experience as a former minister responsible for gender and social welfare issues, Dr. Blyden described the allegations as extremely serious and potentially criminal in nature. She advised the relevant government ministries to work closely with social workers and the police to establish the facts surrounding the case and take appropriate action.
“These are extremely serious claims of a very criminal nature,” she stated, stressing the need for a prompt response from authorities.
Dr. Blyden also warned that failure to thoroughly investigate the allegations could undermine years of advocacy and policy efforts aimed at combating forced female genital mutilation in Sierra Leone.
She noted that significant progress has been made over the years in raising awareness and developing measures to protect women and girls from coercive practices and emphasised the importance of safeguarding those gains.
The former minister further disclosed her intention to engage directly with key stakeholders, including the relevant cabinet ministers, law enforcement authorities, and the First Lady, to ensure that the matter receives the attention it deserves.
Dr. Blyden maintained that if investigations confirm the allegations, those responsible should be held accountable under the law.
The case has attracted public attention and renewed discussions on the protection of women’s rights, the enforcement of existing safeguards, and the need for transparency in addressing allegations of forced genital mutilation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
