By Adama Koroma
Songo, Koya Chiefdom — June 17, 2024: Members of a traditional Bondo society in Songo, Koya Chiefdom, are reportedly demanding the return of 33-year-old Sierra Leonean woman, Haja Dankay Kamara, from the United Kingdom to succeed her late mother as head of the society.
Kamara, who was born on 16 July 1990, travelled to the United Kingdom under an educational programme and was expected to return to Sierra Leone after the programme ended on 13 June 2024.
However, the death of her mother on 10 June 2024 has reportedly placed her at the centre of a traditional succession expectation, with members of the Bondo society identifying her as the person expected to take over the leadership position previously held by her mother.
According to Kamara’s brother, Ibrahim Kamara, their late mother was the head of a female initiation society associated with female genital mutilation (FGM), commonly known as the Bondo society.
He said following their mother’s death, members of the society began expecting Haja to return to Sierra Leone and assume her late mother’s position.
“These people are really a thorn in the throat. Why did they want to do such to my only sister?” Ibrahim said, expressing concern over the pressure being placed on his sister.
The succession expectation was also confirmed by one of the elders, Sampa Soko who said Haja is the only female child of their late leader and that traditional members had decided that she should return to Sierra Leone, undergo the required initiation and eventually take over her mother’s position as head of the society.
Sampa Soko explained that, according to the tradition of the society, when a female leader dies, the leadership is expected to pass to her eldest daughter. In Haja’s case, she said, there is no other female child who could be considered for the position.
Sampa Soko was asked by this reporter why she could not assume the leadership herself, given that she is already a member of the society. She responded that she was not a leader and that tradition required the deceased leader to be succeeded by her eldest daughter.
Another elder, Bonkapirr added that Haja must come back to Sierra Leone to take up the leadership of the society if not her mother’s remains will be kept till she comes back. This she said was due to certain rituals that should be done before the deceased could be finally laid to rest.
“The decision has been taken and nothing could reverse it.” She emphasized. Speaking to one of the Aunties of Haja Dankay Kamara, Madam Isatu Kamara through a WhatsApp call, she said the expectation that Haja should return and succeed her late mother has left them in deep concerned aboot their niece coming back to Sierra Leone.
She said the death of her sister was significant because, the death of a Bondo society leader is traditionally followed by rituals and arrangements relating to the deceased leader and the succession of a new leader.
In a telephone call with Haja Dankay Kamara, she said she is afraid that returning to Sierra Leone could expose her to pressure to participate in the traditional ceremonies, undergo initiation and eventually assume the leadership role.
“I would have loved to return as planned, but I don’t want to be a part of a FGM society and I am thinking that me being out of the country for a long period of time will make them forget about me,” she said.
However, she said her hopes of the society abandoning its demand were weakened after a friend recently informed her that members were still looking for her.
“Recently, a friend emailed me that they are still waiting and searching for me,” Kamara stated. The information, she said, has increased her fear about returning home.
Kamara’s concerns therefore centre on what she describes as continuing pressure from members of the Bondo society for her to return, participate in traditional initiation practices and assume the leadership position held by her late mother.
Her case highlights the complex intersection between traditional succession practices, family expectations and the concerns of individuals who may not wish to participate in traditional practices associated with FGM.
The reported demand for Kamara’s return has also raised questions about the extent to which traditional succession expectations can affect women who are living outside Sierra Leone and do not wish to assume positions within traditional societies.
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