Gambian Government Issues Statement Warning Citizens to Abide by Anti-FGM/C Law

Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Ismaila Ceesay © Askanwi

By the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services

Date: 14th August 2025

The Government of The Gambia wishes to inform the public of a tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of an innocent life due to the illegal practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

On 9th August 2025, at approximately 15:34 hours, a one-month-old female infant was brought to Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital following an FGM procedure that had been performed at a residence in Welingara on 8th August 2025. Examination of the child revealed a lifeless body.

The matter was immediately reported to the Gambia Police Force, who took swift action by arresting three individuals connected to the incident. All three suspects have been formally charged under the Women (Amendment) Act 2015, which criminalises FGM in The Gambia.

A post-mortem examination was conducted at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital on 11th August 2025, as directed by the Coroner. The autopsy report, received on 13th August 2025, confirmed that the cause of death was external haemorrhage resulting from lacerations of the external genitalia caused by the FGM procedure.

The three charged individuals have appeared before the courts, and the matter is now sub judice. The government will provide updates to the public as appropriate while respecting the judicial process.

The Government of The Gambia categorically condemns this tragic and entirely preventable death. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of Female Genital Mutilation, which has been illegal in The Gambia since the enactment of the Women (Amendment) Act 2015.

The government hereby issues this strong warning to all citizens: Female Genital Mutilation remains a serious criminal offence under Gambian law, punishable by imprisonment.

The Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to:

• Enforcing the law against FGM without exception

• Protecting the rights and safety of all Gambian women and girls

• Prosecuting to the full extent of the law anyone involved in performing, facilitating, or permitting FGM

• Supporting communities in abandoning this harmful practice through education and awareness

We call upon all citizens, community leaders, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to:

• Respect and uphold the law prohibiting FGM

• Protect children from this harmful practice

• Report any planned or suspected FGM activities to the authorities

This preventable tragedy must serve as a wake-up call to our entire nation. The protection of our children is everyone's responsibility, and the Government will continue to use all available legal mechanisms to ensure that such incidents never occur again.

The Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased child and reiterates its commitment to creating a Gambia where all children can live free from harmful traditional practices.

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