Monrovia – The Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Nyamulin, has announced the suspension of all activities related to the Poro and Sande societies for a period of eight months, starting from April 30, 2025, to January 2026.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
The decision follows a consensus reached by the National Council and Chiefs, who approved the temporary halt of the practice.
Minister Nyamulin explained that the suspension is in response to numerous complaints from chiefs and traditional leaders across the country regarding the conduct of these societies, particularly concerning the initiation of children and its impact on education.
“Many chiefs and traditional leaders have raised concerns about the current state of these societies, especially the initiation of children under questionable circumstances,” Nyamulin said.
“This practice is interfering with our educational system, as children are taken away from school to undergo initiation rites during the academic year.”
Nyamulin emphasized that the suspension would allow time for the Council of Chiefs and other traditional leaders to develop regulations governing these practices, which he said have proliferated without proper oversight.
He also pointed out that some children, particularly those underage, have been initiated for commercial purposes, which he described as “forceful initiation.”
The minister stated that by the end of the suspension period, regulations would be in place to ensure that traditional practices are conducted responsibly, without disrupting the education of children or conflicting with school schedules.
As part of the announcement, Minister Nyamulin also dissolved the positions of cultural leaders, including cultural superintendents, effective immediately. He directed the Council of Chiefs at the county level to recommend new traditional and cultural coordinators for appointment by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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