FGM Elimination Goes Under The Microscope

-As Traditional Chiefs Seek Consultations

Liberian traditional chiefs say there is a need for consultations over the issue of the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

FGM is a cutting off (clitoris) part of the private part with no choice of objection; something many rights groups have frowned against over the years.

Despite the campaign launched against the practice of FGM in Africa and other parts of the world, traditional people in Africa especially in the Sande school have and continue to sharply resist any abolition.

The disclosure was made over the weekend by the head of the Traditional Council of Liberia, Chief Zanzan Karwar during a civil society and women’s rights advocacy groups forum.

The forum was organized to plea with traditional leaders, especially zoes and traditional chiefs in Liberia to brainstorm on the possible elimination of FGM in the female traditional school of Liberia popularly known as the Sande Society.

Chiefs and zoes have insisted on the abolition of the practice.

Speaking during the forum, Chief Zanzan Karwar told organizers of the forum that the issue of FGM as raised by rights advocates is dear to the hearts of zoes and that the request for the elimination of FGM will be taken to top traditional chiefs and zoes for consultations after which a decision will be made to that effect.

“The one you talked about that you’ll call FGM, I will take it to my people and we will hang heads and get back to you,” he said in a brief statement to organizers of the forum.

It is not clear how long the consultations as announced by the tradition chiefs’ boss will take as the issue of FGM remains a major challenge for rights and advocacy groups on the continent of Africa with Liberia being at the center of the practice even before the establishment of Liberia hundreds of years ago. TNR

New Republic Liberia

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.