In a recent operation, twelve girls aged 2 to 12, who were victims of female genital mutilation, were identified and received free care at the Centre médical avec antenne chirurgicale (CMA) in Boulsa, located in the Namentenga province of Burkina Faso. The intervention took place on September 15, 2026, following an alert from the Direction provinciale en charge de la famille et de la solidarité.
An investigation by the police revealed that the victims were discovered in the Daporé neighborhood, sector 2, where three girls were found bleeding and immediately taken to the CMA for medical attention. Further investigations led to the discovery of nine other girls who had been hidden in a room. The alleged perpetrator of the mutilation was also identified, and her residence was located.
According to the police, the alleged exciseuse demanded 2,000 FCFA and four kola nuts per girl in exchange for the act. The medical team, led by Dr. Émile Compaoré, the chief doctor of the Boulsa health district, emphasized that the long-term consequences of female genital mutilation can significantly compromise the well-being and development of the victims.
The individuals involved, including the alleged perpetrator and her accomplices, are currently being questioned by the police and are expected to be brought before the Tribunal de grande instance de Kaya. The authorities have urged the public to increase awareness against this practice and to report any suspected cases to the competent authorities, including the green numbers 16, 17, and 1010.
Burkina Faso has strict laws against female genital mutilation, with offenders facing penalties of one to ten years in prison and fines ranging from 500,000 to 5 million FCFA, as per article 513, alinéa 7. In cases resulting in the death of the victim, the penalties can range from 11 to 21 years in prison, accompanied by fines of 5 to 10 million FCFA.
The successful intervention highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, medical teams, and social services in protecting the rights and health of young girls in Burkina Faso. The authorities continue to work towards eradicating the practice of female genital mutilation and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
The local community is encouraged to participate in the fight against female genital mutilation by reporting any information that could help prevent such acts. The police and other stakeholders remain committed to providing support to victims and working towards a society where such practices are eliminated.
Key points
- Twelve girls received free care after being victims of female genital mutilation.
- The alleged perpetrator and her accomplices are facing legal consequences.
- The authorities urge the public to report any suspected cases of female genital mutilation.
