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MUNAFA Fund Is Good… However, Critics of Microcredit Have Their Reservations

By Amin Kef Sesay

On February 12, 2021, His Excellency President Bio launched a significant would-be socioeconomic game changer aimed at financially empowering women and youth groups across the length and breadth of the country called the National Micro-Finance (MUNAFA) Program.

Speaking, he noted that previous speakers indicated that there is a large informal sector comprising hundreds of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises. One major challenge they have consistently highlighted is “Access to Finance”.

The fund, he said, will empower MSMEs to get on the credit ladder and build a healthy credit history.

Good and fine, many have commented. However, many people The Calabash spoke to over the past weekend that have had their fingers badly burnt by the embers of micro credit said categorically, that if they have a better option, they would never opt for micro credit. We shall come to the reasons why.

Microcredit has been in the spotlight in this country since the 1980s. This innovative banking program, pioneered by Professor Muhammad Yunus, has created the option for millions of poor people, especially women, to become self-employed entrepreneurs.

By empowering women, microcredit has created opportunities to lift countless families out of abject poverty.  Clearly, this has been a net gain for society.

Yet current criticism of microcredit points to its failure to alleviate poverty, high indebtedness of borrowers, high interest rates, coercive loan-collection tactics, lack of transparency in public fund management, and uncertainty of succession in leadership.

Many previous micro credit victims confessed to this medium to have been forced to pay interests rates that far exceeded what the original principal was by the time they finished paying off the loan.

Others confessed that overwhelmed by the burden, they fled their residences; some said they migrate unwillingly to the provinces, and some from the provinces to the city to escape their creditors.

Supporters of micro-credit maintain that millions of borrowers cannot be wrong who seek microcredit support worldwide.

Microcredit, they argued, eases a binding credit constraint, thus raising income and productivity and reducing poverty.

Despite the hype given to micro-credit as an elevator for poor entrepreneurs, one practitioner in the field surprisingly stated that microloans are more beneficial to borrowers living above the poverty line than to borrowers living below the poverty line because most times than not, the borrowers divert the loans to personal use and consumption.

In which light, observers of the micro-credit climate point to lack of entrepreneurship forces of micro-entrepreneurs to take on repeated loans, creating a vicious cycle of debt dependency.

Conscious of the benefits of microcredit that include: disbursement of quick loan under urgency; helping poor people to meet their financial needs; provide an extensive portfolio of loans; promote self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship, its critics state that one major cause of indebtedness they noted is inadequate insurance to protect the poor against economic and natural disasters.

High interest rates—up to 40 percent in some cases—coupled with very limited grace period to start repayment are another major concern.  Lenders, who view interest rates as returns to capital and a screening device for identifying creditable borrowers, usually set rates without considering the purpose of a loan. Critics recommend that interest rates should be set uniform but determined according to the loan’s purpose.

From an administrative and managerial point of view, critically, for the success of the scheme, the mechanism under which funds are transferred to the poor must be transparent and ensure the long-term sustainability of both borrowers and lenders.

If microfinance institutions divert public funds to diversify the microfinance portfolio, then the poor must own, or at least accrue the dividends from, such ventures.

Transparency in running publicly-funded organizations—including policies and practices on the question of leadership succession and ownership—is also required.

Both borrowers and lenders require protection. This means setting appropriate interest rates, ensuring better access to subsidized funds to support innovation, and protecting the poor and their savings entrusted to microcredit institutions from any coercive practices by such institutions. In which sense, institutional takeover by Government for political reasons would be counterproductive.

GIABA Schools Religious Leaders on combating Money Laundering

By Edward Vamboi

On the 9th and 10th February 2021 the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)  organized a seminar  at the Radisson Blu Hotel  which was based on combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) in the region on the theme “National Sensitization Seminar for Religious Leaders and Institutions on Implementing AML/CFT Measures.

The Minister of Social Welfare, Hon. Baindu Dassama Kamara in her statement, which she dubbed as a goodwill message, disclosed that the responsibility of formulating and implementing all policies and programmes on religion in the country lie on her Ministry.

She stated that as the Cabinet Minister that is coordinating and monitoring the implementation of faith based activities, she would like to express her kind appreciation to the Inter-Government Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa for organizing such an educative programme that is geared towards strengthening the capacity of religious leaders in addressing current emerging issues that have huge devastating, political, economic and social consequences to their worshippers.

On her part, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Patricia N Laverley said it is an historic ceremony marking an engagement with the inter-faith bodies in the implementation of AML/CFT measures.

She said it is historic because it is the first time they are coming together as a nation on an inter-faith platform to discuss the way forward in putting in place modalities for the effective implementation of measures aimed at combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

She furthered that is evident in their realization that money laundering and terrorism financing are serious threats to national and international peace and stability which must be addressed in a holistic way.

The Deputy Minister said the Government, under the leadership of President Bio, is committed to supporting every endeavor aimed at protecting the integrity, credibility and viability of the financial system.

She revealed that since they assumed leadership of the country, the Government has provided increased support to the Financial Intelligence Unit to ensure that they are properly position to support law enforcement agencies as well as the private sector in the fight against ML/TF and associated predicate offences.

“We are comforted by the knowledge that we have been receiving technical Assistance from the United States Department of Treasury since 2017 and we are assured of their continued commitment to the development of the Sierra Leone’s anti-money laundering and counter-finance of terrorism regime,” she stated.

She said efforts made will result in a sanitized system thereby making the country conducive for businesses in general and attractive to Foreign Direct Investment further emphasizing that creating an effective and compliant anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism regime would better project the image of the country thereby making Sierra Leone more attractive on the international stage saying such will enhance the confidence of the country’s development partners.

She maintained that the Government is aware that the banking sector is an indispensable part of the economy and hence everything humanly possible must be done to protect that sector stating that moneylaundering and terrorism financing are two scourges that directly undermine not only the integrity but also the survival of  financial institutions.

“Therefore every effort directed at developing a robust and compliant AML/CFT regime is justifiable,” she underscored.

Director General of GIABA, Judge Kimelabalou Aba, stated that GIABA is a specialized institution of ECOWAS, as well as a regional body for West Africa.

According to him, it was established in the year 2000 by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government with the mandate to protect the economies of member States from the laundering of the proceeds of crimes and to combat terrorist financing.

He said GIBA undertakes its roles to ensure that member States comply with acceptable international stands on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and combating financing of terrorism (CFT).

As an institution, he said, GIABA conducts mutual evaluations-a peer review mechanism for assessing the level of technical compliance and effectiveness of member States’ AML/CFT system with international standards.

According to him, GIABA also carries out valuable researches and typologies exercises to identify the various money laundering and terrorist financing trends and methods in order to strengthen preventive and enforcement actions like acting as a forum where members can discuss regional issues and share their experiences, coordinate and support members States in the implementation of AML/CFT systems and legislations, assisting  member States in establishing and strengthening stakeholder institutions, especially the Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs).

He said the key reason why GIABA decided to invite eminent personalities to the seminar is to promote peaceful coexistence, ensure that  the voices of religious leaders are strongly heard against violent extremism, terrorism, corruption, human trafficking, kidnapping and economically-motivated crimes adding that their voices must not only be heard, but must be seen to lead the way through actions and exemplary lifestyles.

The seminar’s objective was to raise the awareness level of religious leaders on their role on AML/CFT framework, especially the mandate of GIABA; and (ii) agree on actionable points to promote peaceful co-existence in particular and in general AML/CFT efforts.

The fight against money laundering and terrorist financing is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders. It is an effort towards protecting the economies and financial systems from the of proceeds of crime. GIABA recognizes religious leaders’ valuable contribution as guardians of the faith and their institutions hold tremendous sway amongst their followers.

Fundamentally, one of GIABA’s core Strategic Goals in the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan is the promotion of strategic partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and other critical stakeholders aimed at increasing awareness of ML/TF to empower citizens to take action.

Recognizing the role of religious leaders in Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) and promoting the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue, the United Nations Secretary-General enshrined in its Plan of Action on PVE the importance for faith and community leaders to mentor “vulnerable followers to enable them to reject violent ideologies” and promote “tolerance, understanding, and reconciliation between communities.”

No Licences to be Granted to Vessels that Cause Danger -Fisheries Minister Informs

Hon. Emma Kowa Jalloh, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Hon. Emma Kowa Jalloh, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has intimated that vessels which usually cause danger to the sea and its stock have been refused license to operate in the country.

Speaking at the weekly Government Press Briefing in the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Communications, on the 11th February 2021, she stated that reduction in the number of such vessels at sea has helped improve the stock and contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

She said the country had lost huge revenue to illegal fishing which is why fines for defaulters have been increased and this has helped dwindle the number of illegal vessels that find their way into the country.

Hon. Emma Kowa Jalloh disclosed that the Ministry is collaborating with other stakeholders to conduct regular surveillance and sea patrols to curb illegal fishing.

According to the Minister, the sector plays an important role in the country’s economy by providing employment for lots of young people.

She said the Ministry had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese Company that does scientific observation on stuck assessment and gives the Ministry accurate data.

As part of efforts to improve the fishes in the sea, the Ministry has been implementing the closed sea season, Hon. Emma Kowa said. “Measures have been put in place for proper hygienic preparation of fish for export to markets abroad in meeting the European Union’s standard procedure. This will help improve the country’s economy,” the Minister concluded.

 

As he Opens UTB Regional Headquarter…   Pres. Bio Commends UTB for Deepening Financial Inclusion

By Esther Wright

In Makeni City, on the 12 February 2021, President Julius Maada Bio informed a gathering that he is proud of the Union Trust Bank (UTB) for being the only indigenous private bank in Sierra Leone that is promoting more access to services in the rural areas.

He made that statement during the opening of the Northern Regional Headquarter branch of the Union Trust Bank in Makeni.

“No doubt, its customer-focused banking products have helped deepen financial inclusion among citizens who live and do business in rural communities. But beyond this, my Government believes that we can gain a lot as a nation if we promote a savings and investment culture among citizens. The days of ‘earn and spend’ are gone. Banks can therefore work with Government to foster that savings and investment culture,” he said.

President Bio emphasised that the Government expected that banks would be able to make available low cost credit to credit-worthy Sierra Leoneans who had proven investment ideas, adding that they had undertaken various efforts to promote financial inclusion in the country, including creating a digital biometric registration for citizens wishing to open bank accounts.

“I am informed that Union Trust Bank Limited is a client institution for both the African Development Bank Group and the Islamic Development Bank Group. It is also the first Western Union Money Transfer agent in Sierra Leone with agencies in all districts. This international reach and the diversified financial services portfolio are also very helpful.

“I am informed that Union Trust Bank did not experience a cash shortage during the two weeks of the Christmas period. I want to encourage Union Trust Bank, as well as other players in the sector, to adopt liquidity management practices that assure that depositors can access their money in banks as and when they need it.

“Let me conclude by stating that I am proud that Union Trust Bank Limited is the only indigenous private bank in Sierra Leone. It clearly demonstrates the capacity of Sierra Leoneans to develop a corporate culture and compete actively in the banking sector. The establishment of several brick-and-mortar branches all over Sierra Leone demonstrates that the bank is visibly re-investing its profits in Sierra Leone,” he said.

Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, said since its establishment in 1995 the bank continued to make significant gains in the financial sector, adding that its Management is really committed to creating wealth and contributing to the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Sierra Leone.

Chief Executive Officer of UTB, Dr. Sanpha Koroma, expressed gratitude to President Bio for gracing the event, noting that he was pleased to host him in that part of the country.

New Lands Minister Prioritizes Housing & Country Planning

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 12 February 2021 the newly appointed Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning called for national reconciliation in the country’s land sector. Dr. Turad Senesie made that statement while addressing Senior Management staff at a maiden staff meeting in the Ministry.

“It is never too late to start healing the wounds and doing the right things in a sector that has been marred with challenges over the past several years,” he stated, while outlining his vision and direction for the sector.

Minister Senesie announced that the new direction in the Ministry will prioritise housing and country planning as part of the mission to restore sanity in a controversy infested sector.

According to him, the mad rush for land acquisition, especially in the western area, is primarily due to the fact that the housing and planning sector have been neglected over the years.

“Henceforth, affordable housing projects for low and middle income classes and development of a national land bank will take primacy over land allocation and sale,” the Minister emphasized.

He urged the staff that the time to restore public trust in land sector administration is now, while emphasising the need for immediate de-escalation of tensions between and among Ministry staff and members of the general public. “There is too much internal and external fights in the lands sector,” he disclosed and stressed the need for everyone to prioritise national interest over selfish aggrandisement.

The Minister advised the staff to follow his leadership drive of transparent and accountable leadership, adding that team work is very essential to the success of the President’s vision.

“We must follow processes and procedures at all times,” he emphasised.

He further disclosed that the review and development of policies and digitalisation of the sector is at the heart of the New Direction’s development agenda and would be implemented to the fullest.

He called for collaboration with various sectors while explaining the number of partnership meetings he has recorded with Ministries, Departments and Agencies since his appointment.

The Minister urged the staff not to allow internal or external tensions and job insecurities to affect their productivity as he assured them that he has assumed office with an open mind.

He assured the staff that he will allow them to do their field and professional work, while he focuses on policy and supervision to ensure compliance with the people’s agenda at all times.

He said the challenges in the sector are enormous but not insurmountable, while challenging the staff to work together to achieve the common good.

The Senior Ministry staff led by the Permanent Secretary welcomed and briefed the Minister on their various activities and assured him of their unflinching support.

Facilitated by Dr. Adonis Abboud…   3 Bag Scholarships to Study at University of Belgrade

By Amin Kef Sesay

Three Sierra Leonean students have been awarded scholarships to study in various fields at the Belgrade University in Serbia, facilitated by the Dr. Adonis Abboud, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia.

The three students are Dauda James, who will travel to pursue his Master’s study in the field of Agricultural Economics, Massah Feigbo Daboh and Doris Augusta Tarawallie  both going to study Medicine and they will stay for six years until they complete their course at the University of Belgrade.

Dr. Adonis Abboud, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in an interview disclosed that the scholarship program started in the 1970 and the 80s, furthering how till now a total number of twenty-six Sierra Leonean students have benefited from the scholarship program. According to him, many of the graduates are now in strategic stations in life ranging from the Civil Service, among others and they are contributing immensely to national development, as a way to give back to the country what they have learned abroad.

He further disclosed that the selection process is always done in Sierra Leone by the Ministry of Education and the recipients would undergo several procedures and medicals in order to adapt to the weather conditions while they are studying in Serbia.

Dr. Adonis Abboud added that the students will act as Ambassadors whiles in Europe and advertise the beauty of Sierra Leone which will attract tourists and investors.

“Education is a primary tool for the development of Sierra Leone and this is one tiny contribution among others,” Dr. Adonis said maintaining that in terms of available healthcare and health status, Sierra Leone is rated very poorly.

Globally, infant and maternal mortality rates remain among the highest, he revealed, adding how the health service has recently been described as “stretched far beyond capability”.

“Many of the senior doctors had succumbed to Ebola and the Corona pandemic. Forty out of 60 students at the University of Sierra Leone’s Provost of the College of Pharmacology, Medicine and Allied Health Sciences were forced to abandon their studies after many ran out of money to pay their fees,” he informed.

Dilating on agriculture, he said, it is the economic and cultural mainstay of Sierra Leone – rice and cassava, drought-tolerant crops, are staples in a typical Sierra Leonean diet.

He said although agriculture is crucial, sustainable agriculture in Sierra Leone is unfortunately inadequate.

Talking to the beneficiaries, they informed this medium that the  scholarship program will help improve the country’s medical and agricultural sectors among others when they would have completed their courses.

They also thanked the Government of Serbia, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Education for giving them such a golden opportunity to study abroad.

NP-SL Castrol GTX Promo Kickstarts Today

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has on the 12th February 2021 launched the Castrol GTX Loyalty Lucky Dip Promotion at its head office in Freetown which was attended by members of the Fourth Estate and some dealers from various NP Filling Stations in the country.

Finance Manager of NP-SL Ltd, Saidu Mansaray, expressed satisfaction for the turn out further stating that the main rationale of the programme is to launch the Castrol GTX Promotion further underscoring that the Castrol lubricant has various advantages one of which include enhancement of the efficiency of engines adding that the Castrol lubricant has the quality of longevity as it lasts longer. He also stated that it minimizes emission and helps to clean engines or machines.

“Castrol is one lubricant which can be secured at reduced cost and by that I mean it can last longer as opposed to other lubricants of inferior quality,” he underscored also intimating how it gives satisfaction and assurance.

On his part, the Internal Auditor of NP-SL Ltd, Komrabai Samura, thanked all for attending and stated that in any business there is the need for coordination. He added that the coordination between the media and NP-SL Ltd will help to make the public know about the Castrol GTX product in order to embrace it.

The Sales Supervisor of NP-SL Ltd, Leon Aboko Cole, informed those in attendance that sub-standard oil comes with a lot of problems but categorically stated that Castrol GTX is very effective and less costly.

He revealed that the Castrol GTX Loyalty Lucky Dip Promotion will commence today, 15th February 2021 and will last up to the 14th March 2021.

“ In other words, it is going to be a four week promotion which forms part of our yearly activities as a way of giving back to our esteemed customers in order for them to identify with the brand,” the Sales Supervisor stated.

He said whenever a customer buys any Castrol GTX he or she automatically becomes eligible to be part of the promo adding that GTX represents strength.

“When a customer buys 5L Castrol GTX (20w50 or GTX Diesel) he or she will have the chance to have one dip and for GTX Ultraclean he or she has 3 dips,” he disclosed adding that there are two things to be discovered on the slip one of which is WINNER or Sorry! Buy More GTX.

He said a winner must leave his or her name and telephone number with the Station Manager of the Filling Station where the Castrol lubricant was bought and he or she will be contacted by the Sales Supervisor.

Leon said nobody goes empty handed as even losers will have some form of compensation.

He said there will be flyers at strategic locations to inform the public and shops will be activated in order to give the Promo wider coverage.

“Caution should be taken of the specific type of Castrol oil to be used but the Ultraclean 10w40 is a multi-grade oil that can be used in hotter countries. GTX 20w50, though good for petrol engines,  is also a multi-purpose oil,” he disclosed adding that they have conducted trainings for automobile mechanics and their pump attendants in order for them to know the various specifications which will help them to guide customers.

He said that the Castrol oil in the white rubber is the one that is most often used as it maintains temperature and can be used on petrol engines.

The Sales Supervisor revealed that the ultra-clean Castrol oil is going for Le250, 000 and the others for Le200, 000.

A question and answer session formed the highpoint of the launching event.

Lawrence Foday Musa Gay Teacher Narrowly Escapes Death From Community

Lawrence Foday Musa

By Abdulrahman Kamara

Reports coming from Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone states that a teacher and Staff Secretary of the SOS Children’s Village in Freetown, Lawrence Foday Musa and an Educational Officer in the same institution, Johnny Will, were caught red-handed on Friday 12th February 2021 having sex in a bedroom in the house of the uncle of the teacher at 12C Line, New England,  Nyandeyama section, Kenema city.

As the visibly shocked uncle raised the alarm, a crowd gathered to teach the two men a lesson, but as both men escaped through the back door of the house, they were pursued by the angry crowd. Lawrence Musa is said to have entered a nearby bush and had since disappeared, whilst his partner, Johnny Will, escaped on a passing commercial bike.

According to family sources, Lawrence Foday Musa had been living at 55E Nas Carew Drive, Off Wilkinson Road, Freetown, and working as a teacher at the SOS Children Village in Freetown. It was also disclosed that his late mother was privy to his sexuality and had advised him against such, but he had not taken her advice and had continued with his gay practice. Other family members said they had no knowledge that he was gay, not until the uncle discovered him with his partner in the act.

The uncle is believed to have had an idea about his sexuality from his late mother, but it is not known whether he took it serious at all, as he had no news or inclination that he was still gay. He is said to have kept the story told to him by the late mother about her son and had denied knowledge of same for fear of being dealt with when the matter came to the fore.

Speaking under conditions of anonymity, a close friend of the family said that the uncle disclosed that both Lawrence Musa and Johnny Will visited him in Kenema and told him that they were there to enjoy a carnival in the township. He furthered that the uncle also disclosed that he was at home when both his nephew and his visitor returned from the carnival, and that both had different rooms. He explained that the uncle furthered that when he began hearing groaning from one of the rooms, it was then that he decided to cross-check what was going on, and to his utter shock, he met Lawrence Musa and Johnny Will in the guest room, stark naked, having sex. Lawrence Musa, it was explained, left his own room and came to the guest room where his friend was and both then got engaged in the act.

It was further disclosed that the uncle raised the alarm, which saw neighbours and other residents in the community converging at the residence, determined to show him that such practice is an abomination and a complete disgrace to the family, community and manhood in the country, and an illegal practice that is a taboo in both religious faiths in the country. Eye witnesses say that the suspects escaped through the back door of the house, and when that was made known, they were chased by the crowd. Lawrence Musa is said to have escaped through a nearby bush, with youths in hot pursuit, whilst his partner, Johnny Will, escaped with the help of a commercial bike passing by.

Meanwhile, the Police was alerted and an arrest warrant has been issued for Lawrence Musa, with a bounty on his head for who finds him, as the matter is an offence against the state and punishable by long term imprisonment. Despite the warrant of arrest, community members are said to have threatened to kill him if they find him first before the police, as his existence has been likened to a disgrace to their tribe, region and the nation.

Investigating further from residents around the house of Lawrence Musa in Freetown, it was confirmed that he had been seen on several occasions with Johnny Will, who they described as a Liberian working in the same institution with Lawrence Musa. They also confirmed that police officials had raided the home of Lawrence Musa, but were unsuccessful, as he could not be found and his whereabouts since then is not known. As we go to press the whereabout of Lawrence Musa is still unknown.

According to the laws of Sierra Leone the practice of same sex is a taboo and illegal. Both Religious faiths in the country view the act as satanic and should not be encouraged in the country. This mind-set has dictated the fate of anyone caught in the act, thus it is not uncommon for the suspect to be lynched and the police turn a blind eye to the incident. It is believed to good riddance.

 Isata Binta Turay’s life in Danger for Refusing to Replace her late Mother as Sowei

Isata Binta Turay.jpg

By Karifa Thoronka

Soweis and some traditional leaders have declared war against Isata Binta Turay, a young Sierra Leonean who refused to be initiated into bondo Society in Kono District. Female Circumcision, which is very dangerous to women’s health is a process of excision of the clitoris and labia minora with razor by a senior society member called Sowei, who has no medical training but believed to be spiritually powerful.

Whiles speaking with a close family member of Isata Binta Turay, who refused not to mentioned her name noted that Isata has being living in Freetown since childhood, she further by saying that Isata Binta Turay’s Mother was a Sowei who died in waterloo and they later moved her corpse to Kono for traditional burial.  The eyewitness revealed that it was after the burial ceremony when the traditional leaders with some group of Soweis requested that Isata Binta Turay to replace her late Mother as tradition demands.

Whiles narrating to the press, one of the close family friend by the name of Kadiatu Kamara says that Isata Binta learned the spirit of resistance from one Kadiatu who lost her life during initiation ceremony in waterloo, many girls suffer from serious bleeding whiles undergoing the initiation ceremony.

Secret Societies have used symbols of witchcraft to intimidate community members and has vandalized property and attacked families who refuse to participate in both Poro and bondo society in many part of Sierra Leone. There was a report that women were forcibly initiated into secret society.

According to many, the forceful initiation of women has resorts to lost of lives and serious bleeding.

Another obstacle, it makes travel very difficult for women who are not part of the society during initiation seasons, they are not allowed to move freely due to risk to be captured and forcefully initiated.  Meanwhile, Successive governments have made little effort to change this picture either because the practice is so deeply embedded in the culture of the people or because politicians fear losing the votes of the people if they attempt to ban it.

For fear of death, Isata Binta Turay is still nowhere to be located, whiles the Soweis and some traditionalists are still searching for her.

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