Zambian authorities have rescued 48 boys from a clandestine circumcision camp near Livingstone, following complaints from parents that their children had been abducted. The camp, operating without permission, had unsanitary and dangerous conditions, with boys aged 10-17 being held in seclusion.
Three boys were hospitalized, including one with HIV who hadn’t taken medication for two weeks. Another had bilharzia, a chronic illness caused by contaminated water. The initiation site, established without consent, was burnt down, and the owner arrested and released on condition of destroying the site.
Traditional circumcision ceremonies, known as “mukanda,” are secretive and often coercive, with boys forced to undergo the ritual without parental consent. While some boys willing participate, many are bullied into it. The government is working to regulate these ceremonies, ensuring safety and consent.
The rescue operation was led by Mainga Kabika, top civil servant in the gender ministry, who emphasized the need to preserve tradition while following regulations. The incident highlights concerns about harmful practices and the importance of protecting children’s rights.
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