Government stands firm against female genital mutilation after shocking incident in Bongouanou
Bongouanou — Côte d’Ivoire’s government has once again vowed to uphold its strict “zero tolerance” policy on female genital mutilation (FGM) following a brutal excision incident involving five young girls in the town of Bongouanou.
The harrowing events unfolded in the early hours of June 30, 2026, in the Dioulakro neighborhood of the village of Kangandi, located in the Bongouanou commune. The victims, aged between three and nine years old, endured a violent procedure that left them with severe physical and psychological trauma, including heavy bleeding, urinary retention, and deep emotional distress, as confirmed by official reports.
Prompt action followed a confidential tip-off, with rapid-response teams from the regional office of the Ministry of Women, Family, and Children, the Judicial Protection Service for Children and Youth, and local police forces arriving at the scene to rescue the children. The girls were rushed to the public hospital in Bongouanou, where they received urgent medical care before being transferred to a specialized protection center under government supervision.
At the center, the young victims are now receiving comprehensive support, including emergency medical treatment, psychological counseling, and social assistance to aid in their recovery.
In the legal sphere, two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. Authorities have launched a full investigation to identify and prosecute all those involved, ensuring that justice is served in accordance with Ivorian law.
The government emphasized that female genital mutilation remains a serious criminal offense, punishable under national legislation. This latest crackdown aligns with renewed national efforts announced on June 13, 2026, by First Lady Dominique Ouattara, aimed at eliminating gender-based violence across the country.
In response to the ongoing threat, officials are urging communities to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases or attempts of FGM to prevent further violations of children’s rights.
