The death of Baby Sarjo Conteh on August 9, 2025, has reignited a fierce debate over the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia, with advocacy groups blaming the prohibition for pushing the practice underground and increasing risks. Concerned Citizens (CC), alongside partner organizations including Gambian Women Are Free to Choose, Women’s Association for Islamic Solidarity, and Islamic Enlightenment Society, issued a press statement expressing profound sorrow and extending condolences to the bereaved family.
According to police flash reports dated August 10 and 12, 2025, and a medical report from Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), Baby Sarjo’s death is allegedly linked to excessive bleeding following an FGM procedure. The incident has intensified scrutiny on The Gambia’s legal stance, which prohibits FGM unless repealed by the National Assembly or declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
In their statement, CC and its partners emphasized that while acknowledging the current law, they believe the ban lacks “majority societal legitimacy.” They argue that Gambians have consistently opposed the prohibition through lawful means, urging elected officials to repeal it. The groups claim the government has ignored these calls, prioritizing foreign donors and external organizations over the cultural, religious, and traditional values of its citizens.
The statement also highlighted concerns over what the groups describe as systemic harassment of women, citing cases involving Mba Yassin Fatty, Nano Jawla, Kadijatou Jallow, and Mba Fatou Camara, who have faced legal repercussions linked to FGM. The groups assert that such actions target elderly women, sisters, and girls, undermining practices that Muslims in The Gambia view as integral to their identity. They warned that no amount of intimidation or external pressure will deter these convictions.
CC holds the government “fully and exclusively responsible” for deaths related to FGM, arguing that the ban has driven the practice underground, increasing health risks. They contend that a regulated, medicalized framework, performed by certified practitioners under hygienic conditions, could prevent such tragedies. The statement underscored that laws lacking popular support may face lawful resistance, reflecting the sovereign will of the people.
The groups called on the government to immediately lift the FGM ban and adopt a controlled, medicalized approach to safeguard the health and welfare of those involved. They argue this would reduce risks associated with clandestine procedures, which they claim are inevitable given the cultural significance of the practice.
The tragic death of Baby Sarjo has brought renewed urgency to the contentious issue, with advocates framing it as a clash between legal mandates and deeply held traditions. As The Gambia grapples with balancing cultural practices and public health, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by CC and its partners.
