The Gambia is reeling with anger and grief after the death of a one-month-old baby girl, reportedly following female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice outlawed in the country.
Police confirmed the baby was rushed to a hospital in the capital, Banjul, after suffering severe bleeding, but she was pronounced dead on arrival. An autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of death, though many have linked it directly to FGM.
“This is not culture, this is not tradition — this is violence, pure and simple,” the Women In Leadership and Liberation (WILL) organisation said in a statement, calling for justice and stronger enforcement of the ban.
Authorities say two women have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Abdoulie Ceesay, the Member of Parliament for Kombo North District, where the tragedy occurred, urged the nation to protect children from harmful cultural practices.
“The loss of this innocent child must not be forgotten. Let it be a turning point for our country to renew its commitment to safeguarding every child’s right to life, safety, and dignity,” Ceesay said.
FGM involves the partial or total removal of a female’s external genitalia. Commonly cited reasons for the practice include social acceptance, religious beliefs, misconceptions about hygiene, controlling a girl’s sexuality, and perceived enhancement of male sexual pleasure.
Despite being banned, The Gambia remains among the top 10 countries with the highest rates of FGM. According to data, 73% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have undergone the procedure, with many subjected to it before the age of six.
The case has reignited calls from rights groups and activists for stricter penalties and community education to eradicate the practice once and for all.
