IPNEWS: Reports from Bong County say operatives of the ancient traditional society known as the ‘Sande Society’ has now gone after the daughter of their former chief ZOE(name for traditional head within the (Sane Society ), Leemu Mckay-Doe. Madam Doe also identified as a social worker currently under the employ of the Liberia Peace Building Office and former employee at the Foundation for the Rights of Women and Children (FRWC), responsible for Child Abuse and Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
According to IPNEWS Bong County reporter, uncertainties are high following the mysterious disappearance of Leemu Mckay-Doe, after men believed to be members of ‘Sande Society’ vowed to forcibly adopt her in obedience to the wishes of their former chief ZOE (the head of the Sande Society with magical powers). Leemu Doe’s grandmother, who was the former chief ZOE, wanted Leemu to replace her in the Sande Society’s high position. Madame Leemu Mckay-Doe is currently hiding due to threats, violence and persecution from maternal family members and tribe’s people.
According to African secret society experts’ verse in matters the ‘Sande Society’, customs and tradition depicts that when a leader of the Sande society dies, her first daughter or only girlchild must replace her presence in their order. This practice is passed down through generations, ensuring the first or only daughter takes over from her mother. IPNEWS understand that Madam Leemu Mckay-Doe, is now the only surviving daughter of her late mother, who assumed the position the Chief Zoe of the family after the passing of mother (Leemu’s grandmother).
From her hideout, Madam Doe tells IPNEWS that prior to the passing of her late mother, serious pressure was mounted on her mother mandating her to have her two daughters (Leemu Mckay-Doe and her late sister) initiated into the Sande society.
In an exclusive phone interview, Leemu tells IPNEWS about her horrific stories during her early childhood: “From childhood, I sensed the weight of these expectations, even without fully understanding them. At age ten (10), I remember a tense argument among my grandmother, aunts, and mother. By then we lived in Suakoko, Bong County, where I was born. Two days after the argument, Leemu’s mother took her away to Harbel, Margibi County, and left her with a friend for her safety. Leemu still vividly recalls the maltreatment and abuse she underwent while living with a foster parent. Leemu was raped by her foster parent’s son at age 14, got pregnant, and was forced to have an abortion. This was handled indoors when I informed my mother about what I was going through.” Leemu’s mother explained why she had taken such drastic steps by separating Leemu from her siblings. She revealed that Leemu’s maternal family saw her as the rightful successor to a Zoe position in the Sande Society, a role they believed she was destined for. This role required initiation into the Sande Society and entailed FGM as a rite of passage. My mother had resisted these demands to protect me, but she warned that my family would continue to pursue me for this role.”
She further mentioned that her oldest sister, who was the first grandchild,was forcibly initiated into the Sande Society. Her initiation created several health complications due to the extraction of an important female organ, and the use of unsterilized blades and other instruments during the initiation process. Madame Doe disclosed that watching her sister undergo severe pain, physical and emotional breakdown until her demise on July 27, 2013, was a horrible experience for her. At a point, the interview became so emotional as she told her story “The death of my sister affected my family so badly, especially my mother. After the passing of my sister, my mother became very ill due to acute depression caused from the death of her first child, she never recovered till her death few years later on August 28, 2023. The passing of both my mother and sister has created a vacuum in my life that can never be occupy. The bitterness of my past coupled with recent torments and abuse from relatives and violent men are my worst nightmares.”
Leemu narrated that she has been receiving verbal threats from elders of her family; demanding that she abolish the act of creating awareness on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), especially in Bong County. She quoted him “you are aware of your linage and this is a challenge to our culture and tradition. If you do not stop, we will kill you like we did to other females who thought they could challenge us or escape their destiny” “They threatened that if I do not adhere to their request, they would go to the extreme to locate me in any parts of Liberia and would kill me and my entire family.”
“Returning from an awareness on FGM in a village in Bong County on March 24,2025, my driver and I were attacked by unknown tribal men. I was abducted, raped, tortured and was told that I would be taken to the Sande Bush that night to for my initiation under my family’s orders. Later that night, a few angry community members and other civil society association (WONGOSOL, ORWOCH, FRWC, PBO etc) colleagues invaded the cabin where I was being held until initiation. They forcibly removed me and smuggled me back to Monrovia. I am currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital.
These incidences caused my family and I serious fear and considering how many times we complaint to National Police and other Local Authorities, my case has never been addressed. They always sweep it under the carpet as it is done to many other victims/Social Workers experiencing similar situations. Sometimes they would reluctantly respond that it is tradition and culture; therefore, we should handle it ourselves.” Madam Leemu Mckay-Doe told IPNEWS Reporter.
