Emperor Artical Blog

Basita Michael Questions International Double Standards Over First Lady’s Cancelled Speaking Engagement
​FREETOWN — Prominent Sierra Leonean lawyer and former Bar Association President, Basita Michael, has publicly questioned what she describes as "international double standards" following the abrupt cancellation of First Lady Fatima Jabbe-Bio’s speaking invitation at a high-profile international event.
​The controversy erupted after the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) rescinded the First Lady’s invitation to speak on female empowerment at a Cambridge University college. The cancellation followed intense pressure and criticism from UK-based women's rights campaigners and anti-FGM activists who pointed to her past statements regarding traditional practices and the Bondo society.