By Nelson Manneh
The Gambia Police Force has charged three women in connection with the death of a one-month-old baby girl in Wellingara, suspected to have resulted from complications of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Police spokesperson Cadet Assistant Superintendent Modou Musa Sisawo confirmed that the first accused, Fatou Camara, is charged under Section 32A – Prohibition of Female Circumcision of the Women’s (Amendment) Act, 2015, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. She has been remanded in custody by Magistrate Sambou of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
The second and third accused, Oumie Sawaneh and Hawa Conteh, face charges under Section 32B – Accomplices to Female Circumcision. The offence is bailable, and both women have been granted bail.
“The GPF reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of all vulnerable persons and urges the public to report any harmful traditional practices to the nearest police station,” PRO Sisawo stated.
It could be recalled that on August 10, 2025, police in Wellingara began investigating the death of a one-month-old baby girl believed to have been subjected to circumcision. Preliminary findings revealed that the child allegedly developed severe bleeding after the procedure. She was rushed to Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Two women were initially taken into custody as part of the investigation, and the child’s body was transferred to the RVTH mortuary for further examination.
FGM in The Gambia
The Women’s (Amendment) Act, 2015 criminalised Female Genital Mutilation in The Gambia, prohibiting both the act (Section 32A) and the role of accomplices (Section 32B).
Despite the ban, FGM remains widespread in the country. UNICEF estimates that more than 70% of Gambian women aged 15–49 have undergone the practice, which carries severe health risks, including excessive bleeding, infections, childbirth complications, and, in extreme cases, death, particularly among infants and young girls.
This latest case has once again thrust the anti-FGM law into the national spotlight, with human rights advocates urging stricter enforcement, while some religious and cultural groups continue to lobby for its repeal.
Police say investigations into the Wellingara incident are still ongoing.
