The Dark Trade of Clitoral Powder in Côte d'Ivoire
A disturbing trade involving clitoral powder has been uncovered in Côte d'Ivoire, where men are reportedly using this powder on their bodies and faces in the belief that it will help them achieve status as "great leaders." This practice is linked to the harmful cultural tradition of female genital mutilation (FGM), raising serious concerns about women's rights and health in the region. The discovery highlights the need for increased awareness and action against such practices that exploit women's bodies for superstitious beliefs.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
In the northern regions of Côte d'Ivoire, a disturbing practice persists. Clitorises from excised women are being ground into powder and sold for mystical purposes, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and superstition. This illicit trade, often linked to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), is not only a violation of human rights but also a significant obstacle to the eradication of FGM in the country.
The Sorcerer's Confession
A middle-aged man from Touba, in northwestern Côte d'Ivoire, recently confessed to the AFP that he used to apply clitoral powder to his body and face every three months for about three years, believing it would enhance his abilities as a chef. At the time, he was a sorcerer and healer, consulting with those who sought mystical aid. This practice was prevalent in the region roughly a decade ago, highlighting the deeply rooted beliefs in the powers of such substances.
The Market for Clitoral Powder
This is not an isolated incident. According to Labe Gneble, director of the National Organization for Children, Women, and Families (ONEF), clitoral powder is used in various regions of Côte d'Ivoire for making love potions, attracting wealth, and gaining political power. On the black market, the price of this powder can exceed the national minimum wage, which is 75,000 francs CFA (approximately 114 euros).
The Process of Excision
Excision is a painful and often deadly procedure, typically performed on young girls between childhood and adolescence. It is seen as a rite of passage or a means to control a girl's sexuality. The practice, which violates fundamental human rights, can lead to sterility, complications during childbirth, infections, and severe bleeding.
Former excise practitioners describe the process of creating clitoral powder. The clitoris is first dried for one to two months and then ground with stones. The resulting black powder is sometimes mixed with leaves, roots, bark, or shea butter. The cost of this powder varies: about 100,000 francs CFA (152 euros) if the girl is a virgin, and 65,000 francs CFA (99 euros) if she has had children. It can also be exchanged for services.
The Persistence of the Trade
Despite the illegality of the practice, the trade in clitoral powder continues. According to M. Diallo, who now campaigns against excision, he recently obtained a powder mix from an excise practitioner. The mix, which he claims contains human flesh and plants, was observed by the AFP but could not be analyzed.
The clitorides of girls and young women are usually buried, thrown into rivers, or given to parents. However, some are sold or used in mystical practices. One former practitioner recalls individuals posing as parents to obtain clitorides, which were then sold to sorcerers for incantations. Another practitioner accused colleagues of complicity, claiming they gave the clitorides to people for mystical purposes.
Legal Implications and Societal Attitudes
Under Ivorian law, the trade in clitoral powder is considered organ trafficking and is punishable by imprisonment and fines, similar to the penalties for excision. However, the police in Odienné, covering five regions in northwestern Côte d'Ivoire, have never prosecuted anyone for this trade. The reluctance of people to report "sacred" matters and the fear and respect for excise practitioners contribute to the persistence of this trade.
Regional Practices and Beliefs
The practice of using clitoral powder is not limited to Touba. In Odienné, about 150 km north of Touba, farmers purchase clitoral powder to mix with seeds, believing it improves crop yields. In the center-west region, women use the powder as an aphrodisiac, hoping to prevent their husbands from being unfaithful.
Researchers and anthropologists have documented these practices. Dieudonné Kouadio, a health socio-anthropologist at the University of Bouaké, discovered a box containing dried, powdered clitorides during his research on excision. The Ministry of Women's Affairs validated the findings of his study, but no further action has been taken.
The Struggle Against Excision
The illicit trade in clitoral powder is one of the reasons for the persistence of FGM in Côte d'Ivoire. Although the prevalence of FGM has decreased since it was outlawed in 1998, one in five Ivorian women still report having undergone the procedure. In some northern regions, the rate can exceed 50%.
The struggle against FGM continues, with organizations like ONEF and the Djigui Foundation working to raise awareness and combat the practice. However, the deeply rooted beliefs and superstitions surrounding the use of clitoral powder pose significant challenges to these efforts.
Conclusion
The illicit trade in clitoral powder in Côte d'Ivoire highlights the complex interplay of cultural beliefs, economic incentives, and societal attitudes that perpetuate the practice of FGM. Efforts to combat this trade must address not only the legal and economic aspects but also the deeply held beliefs and fears that sustain it. Only through a comprehensive approach can the cycle of abuse and superstition be broken, and the rights of women and girls protected.
Table: Prices of Clitoral Powder on the Black Market
| Criteria | Price (francs CFA) | Price (euros) |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin | 100,000 | 152 |
| Non-virgin | 65,000 | 99 |
List: Regional Uses of Clitoral Powder
- Touba: Used for mystical purposes.
- Odienné: Mixed with seeds to improve crop yields.
- Center-west: Used as an aphrodisiac to prevent infidelity.
Additional Information
- Legal Status: Considered organ trafficking under Ivorian law.
- Penalties: Imprisonment and fines.
- Prevalence of FGM: Decreased since 1998, but still affects 20% of Ivorian women.
- Challenges: Deeply rooted beliefs and societal attitudes.
