Boima Coleman Survives Attack Over Campaign Against Harmful Traditional Practices in Gbarpolu County

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ADNews Gbarpolu: Boima Coleman, the head of Domafeign, a local NGO in Gbarpolu County, narrowly escaped a brutal attack by traditional leaders due to his active involvement in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and harmful cultural practices. This incident follows his recent campaign aimed at educating the community about the Just and Equal Communities (JEC) project, which focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and the importance of eliminating harmful traditions in Liberia.

Less than two weeks ago, Coleman organized a large-scale awareness campaign to promote the JEC project, which emphasizes the critical need to address SRHR and eradicate damaging cultural practices such as FGM. His advocacy, however, has been met with fierce resistance from traditional leaders, who have branded his efforts as a provocation to cultural beliefs. The bushmaster, or “country devil,” has even allegedly called for Coleman’s body, threatening his life.

Boima Coleman shared that the attack occurred late on the night of October 21. Traditional leaders, led by members of the Poro Society, targeted him due to his involvement in the recent awareness campaign. He revealed that he was forced to flee into the forest to escape the violence. Coleman walked for over two hours in the dark and deep forest before seeking refuge in Gbarma, where he reported the attack.

“I was attacked and intimidated by traditional leaders, led by the Poro Society devil, late last night. I had no choice but to escape my village, walking for over two hours to reach the District Headquarters in Gbanga to report the incident,” said Coleman in an interview. “The government has made it clear that there is a ban on harmful traditional practices, but despite this order, people like me are still being harassed and intimidated. All of this is a result of the recent JEC and SRHR activity that was held in Gbarma.”

The attack on Coleman has highlighted the ongoing tensions between modern advocacy efforts and entrenched traditional beliefs in some parts of Liberia. His campaign, which aims to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote the well-being of children and women, has put him at odds with those who defend these practices as part of their cultural identity.

During the campaign in Gbarma, Coleman publicly called on the government of Liberia to stop certifying traditional leaders who continue to engage in harmful practices. He urged the government to heed the calls of international partners who have condemned such practices and stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights of children growing up in local communities.

Coleman’s advocacy for SRHR and his outspoken stance against harmful traditional practices have made him a target for those who see his efforts as an attack on their cultural heritage. However, Coleman remains undeterred, stressing that his mission is to protect the future of Liberian children and ensure that they are not subjected to harmful rituals.

The Domafeign director also emphasized that the government must take stronger action to ensure that laws banning harmful practices like FGM are enforced and that traditional leaders who perpetuate such practices are held accountable. He argued that without proper enforcement, children and women will continue to suffer in silence under the guise of cultural tradition.

Despite the dangers he faces, Coleman vows to remain committed to his mission. He reiterated that his goal is not to undermine cultural practices but to ensure that these practices do not harm the health and well-being of individuals, particularly women and children. His courage and dedication continue to inspire others in the fight for human rights and social justice in Liberia.

 

 

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