In a move aimed at protecting children’s education and curbing exploitative practices, Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyamulin has announced an eight-month suspension of all activities related to the Poro and Sande secret societies.
The suspension, which takes effect on April 30, 2025, and lasts until January 2026, comes after extensive consultations with the National Council of Chiefs and traditional leaders. The decision follows growing concerns over the societies’ initiation practices, particularly the removal of children from school for extended periods.
Minister Nyamulin explained that the suspension is necessary to address widespread complaints from community leaders about the misuse of traditional rites.
“Many chiefs have raised serious concerns about how these societies operate, especially the initiation of children under questionable circumstances,” Nyamulin stated. “Children are being taken out of school during the academic year, disrupting their education. Some are even initiated for commercial gain, a practice we consider forceful and unacceptable.”
The Poro (for men) and Sande (for women) societies are deeply rooted in Liberia’s cultural heritage, serving as custodians of tradition, discipline, and communal values. However, in recent years, reports have emerged of underage children being initiated against their will, sometimes for financial profit.
The temporary halt is intended to give traditional leaders time to establish clear regulations ensuring that initiations are conducted responsibly, without interfering with schooling or exploiting minors.
“By the end of this suspension, we expect to have proper guidelines in place,” Nyamulin said. “Our goal is not to erase tradition but to ensure it aligns with the rights and well-being of our children.”
In a related move, the minister also dissolved the positions of cultural superintendents, directing county-level chiefs to recommend new cultural coordinators for approval by the ministry. This restructuring aims to strengthen oversight and prevent abuses within traditional institutions.
The announcement has sparked debate across Liberia. Some applaud the government’s intervention, citing cases where children were forced into initiation or kept out of school for months.
“This is a good step,” said James Kolleh, a parent in Bong County. “Education should not suffer because of tradition. Some people are using these practices to make money at the expense of our children.”
However, others worry about the impact on cultural heritage.
“The Poro and Sande societies teach discipline and respect,” said Musu Freeman, a community elder in Lofa County. “We must regulate them, but suspending them completely risks losing important traditions.”
Over the next eight months, the Council of Chiefs will work with the government to draft new regulations. These rules are expected to set age limits for initiates, restrict initiations during school terms, and impose penalties for coercive practices.
As Liberia navigates the delicate balance between preserving culture and protecting children’s rights, this suspension marks a pivotal moment, one that could reshape how tradition and modernity coexist in the years to come.
