Feminist activists in Gambia have condemned the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) following the tragic death of a one-month-old baby over the weekend. Authorities allege the infant succumbed to complications from the procedure, sparking widespread outrage.
In a statement, Gambian police confirmed the arrest of two women in connection with the child’s death. “We remain committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and urge the public to report harmful practices,” the statement said.
Medical staff at Edward Francis Small University Hospital declared the child dead shortly after admission, noting she had suffered severe bleeding.
Activists argue the incident highlights the ongoing dangers of FGM, which remains prevalent in Gambia despite being officially banned in 2015. Since the criminalization of the practice, only two prosecutions have been recorded, with the law providing fines and prison sentences for offenders.
Female genital cutting involves the partial or total removal of external genitalia, a procedure health experts warn can cause severe trauma, long-term complications, and even death.
The NGO Women in Leadership and Liberation (WILL) denounced the death as “violence,” declaring: “Culture is not an excuse, tradition is not a shield.”
The Gambia National Children’s Assembly also condemned the tragedy, describing FGM as a “brutal and inhumane act” that violates children’s rights. A spokesperson said, “No child should suffer or lose their life because of preventable harm.”
Despite the ban, Gambia remains among the ten African countries with the highest prevalence of FGM, affecting around 73% of women and girls aged 15 to 49.
Last year, some religious leaders, including imams, staged an unsuccessful campaign at the National Assembly to lift the ban, vowing to continue advocating for the practice.
The baby’s death has reignited calls from activists and civil society groups for stricter enforcement of the law, increased awareness campaigns, and stronger protection measures for girls nationwide.
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