By Amadou Manjang
A three-week-old baby girl from Boboum Kunda in Wuli, Upper River Region has died following complications from an alleged act of female genital mutilation (FGM), according to a police report. The tragic incident was reported by the Basse Police.
The infant, accompanied by her mother, Adama Sowe, and grandmother, Meta, was initially taken to Bajakunda Health Center, later referred to Basse Hospital, and subsequently transferred to Bansang Hospital, where she was pronounced dead despite medical efforts to save her, the police report stated.
The mother and grandmother are currently in police custody as investigations into the matter continue. The body of the deceased remains at Bansang Hospital mortuary, pending transfer to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul for a postmortem examination.
“The Gambia Police Force strongly advises the public to comply with lawful practices and work collectively to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of children,” the report added.
Police investigators revisited the scene, where the grandmother allegedly confessed to carrying out the act and led officers to the location behind the house where it occurred. She reportedly stated that she discarded the razor blade used in the procedure in a toilet, though investigators were unable to recover it.
The father of the deceased has also been arrested and remains in custody, assisting authorities with the ongoing investigation.
