BONFIRE & HEALING CEREMONY

KOINADUGU, SIERRA LEONE

It was decided I should stay in Kabala, Koinadugu until the bonfire to take place on March 23 & 24 in Sulima Chiefdom, Gberia Section, Gberia Village.  This village is almost to the border of Guinea.  It is so close that the villagers go into Guinea for some supplies, use Guinean money and have their cell service from Guinea as well.

I had time to kill between the time I arrived in Kabala and the date for the Bonfire.  My experiences during that time will be recounted in my next blog.

Desmond, one of the four drivers for Fambul Tok, arrived on the morning of 23 March to take me to the village.  We didn’t need to leave until about 4:30PM to make the 2 to 3 hour journey to the village.  It is only 46 miles away, but the roads............  Again, it is important I arrive after dark and as the event is starting.  Ibrahim, one of the district staff members, rode with us.

Before leaving Kabala, I buy roasted goat and Irish Potatoes (potato salad) to take with us as we will be

The BEST roasted goat.

stopping in the village just before we reach our destination.   We will eat there while waiting for time to enter the Bonfire village.  At least that was the plan.  The car had another idea.

Just before reached the “staging” village we heard SNAP, ting, ting, ting.  Fan belt snapped in half.  We decided not to stop and so limped into the bonfire village with the engine light in the red and steam billowing out of the car.  It was a blessing we were so close to our destination and could make it there.  We were in a communication dead zone away from any village and with no way to contact anyone.

This bonfire was very interesting.  Over 33 people got up to testify or confess and included both victims and perpetrators.  This district staff did a fabulous job of sensitization and introductions putting all at ease.

One of the more interesting stories from a perpetrator came from a woman.  It is unusual for a woman to confess to being a perpetrator.  She was captured by the rebels and told to take them to a village where there were people and animals.  At first she refused and was rewarded with a bayonet through her foot as a way to gain cooperation.  Then she was tied up and led like an animal.  In fear for her life, she agreed to take them to the closest village.  The villagers of said village were in attendance at this bonfire.  After she told her story, the Reconciliation Committee members asked the villagers to step forward and then asked if they can forgive the woman.  Forgiveness was given.

Stories of rape, murder, and amputations were told.  Most of the victims did not know the perpetrators nor were they in attendance.  In each case the Reconciliation Committee asked the victims if they can forgive even if they do not know who.  All said yes.

After about every 10 to 15 testimonies/confessions a break was given and dancing took place.  This is a way to relax the people.  You can imagine how hard it was for

Drummers For Dancing

some to get up and tell their story and for others to hear.

It was about 3AM before all was finished.  All the people decided to go to sleep in preparation for the Healing Ceremony to take place after morning prayers; about 7AM!!!  This time my accommodation was in the guest room of the Section Chief’s house.  It was located off the veranda with it’s own door.  Quite comfortable.  I always bring my “field” kit; silk sleep sack, small microfiber towel, small amount of toilet paper, and toiletries.  The better toilets are usually a hole in a cement base over a huge deep hole, are located outside to the back, and shared by more than one household.

I was up at dawn when I heard the call to prayer, got dressed and took a walk in the cool morning air.  I passed by many houses where the inhabitants were already up and getting ready for the ceremony.

Everyone gathered in a circle for the Healing Ceremony/Honoring of the Ancestors.  One goat and one sheep were brought into the circle to be sacrificed.  Water was poured onto the ground and prayers to the ancestors were led by the Imam.  Then the goat and sheep were slaughtered.  I will not go into detail.  I cringed and when it was time to “dress” the animals, I asked Ibrahim to take me on a walk.

Ibrahim and I took a wonderful walk and shared stories about our lives.  He became a good friend last year and our friendship grew stronger as we got to know each other more.  His father was killed by the rebels during the war at the time of cease fire in 1999 when Ibrahim was in secondary school.  He finished school in Freetown, but then returned to his village to be the head of the family as he is the oldest boy.  He put off going to college to help his mother raise his younger siblings and provide them with an education.

Ibrahim was very close to his father.  His parents had a very loving relationship.  I asked him how he could forgive the man who killed his father.  He said he must because he believes in what Fambul Tok represents and if he is to be a part of the organization he wants to show he has done what he is asking others to do.

In January of this year he was able to begin his college studies.  I am guessing he is in his early 30’s.  He is a person of high integrity, moral standards and a caring soul.  We discussed religion and life lessons, etc.  I feel blessed I was given the time and opportunity to spend time with him.

While we were attending the ceremony and then the Peace Mother’s initial meeting following a meal (no, I could not eat the goat or sheep so had other food), Issa and Desmond took a motor bike and rode all the way to Kabala to buy the needed belts for the car and then back to us.

Zainab and Jalloh presented the Peace Farm concept as well as other ideas for the men and women of the section of villages to work together towards increased prosperity for all.  Working together is new to them as the villages have always been isolated from each other when it comes to farming, or cattle raising.  Part of Fambul Tok’s success is the unity created at the section level after the bonfire.

Next they spoke to the women about the Peace Mothers organization open to them at the section level.  Ideas were presented for the women to use to start their own sectional business/es.  The men stayed for that discussion because the women still feel the need for male permission for this kind of activity.  Everyone in attendance was excited about the possibilities such activities can bring.

Then we danced!!!  I do LOVE to dance!

Much Love To You All,

Mom/Grandma Syrup/Sara