Min. Nyumalin Orders Suspension Of Sande, Poro Activities, Warns Against Violations
By Laurina B. Lormia
The Minister of Internal Affairs, F. Sakila Nyumalin, has announced the immediate suspension of all traditional and cultural activities across Liberia, including those linked to the Sande and Poro societies.
The nationwide halt, which took effect on March 14, 2025, will remain in force until January 2026, as the government moves to reform long-standing practices within traditional institutions.
Minister Nyumalin made the disclosure during a recent visit to Zorzor in Lofa County, in response to growing concerns over human rights violations and breaches of ministry regulations tied to initiation activities.
He emphasized that any individual or community found conducting new ceremonies in defiance of the suspension will face legal consequences.
“We cannot continue to tolerate practices that bring harm to our people under the cover of tradition,” Minister Nyumalin stated. “This suspension is necessary to clean the system, strengthen accountability, and protect our citizens especially women and children,” he said.
He also urged various communities to work closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with the suspension.
“We are not banning culture,” Minister Nyumalin clarified. “We are safeguarding it through reform. Tradition must evolve to meet the needs and rights of today’s citizens,” he stressed.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all traditional leaders and community members as we work together to enhance cultural practices in our country while ensuring the well-being of our citizens,” he noted.
According to him, despite the suspension, existing bush schools in Zorzor and Wahassa will be allowed to conclude their current cycles.
He further disclosed that the final graduation date for initiates already in training is set for July 5, 2025. After that, all activities will remain suspended until new regulations are in place.
However, in collaboration with various government agencies, including UN Women, the Ministry is actively consulting with traditional leaders to develop these new regulations. The goal is to ensure that cultural practices align with modern standards of safety and respect for all individuals involved.
The Ministry’s decision has gained support from child rights advocates, who argue that certain aspects of initiation ceremonies such as forced participation, abductions, and physical harm are incompatible with national and international standards on human rights and child protection.
Meanwhile, during the meeting female traditional leaders made a rare public commitment to align their practices with evolving national standards.
They acknowledged the need to halt activities that conflict with the ministry regulations and pledged support for efforts aimed at cultural modernization.