Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Gambian Police Charge Women in FGM-Linked Infant Death
In The Gambia, three women are in trouble with the law because a baby girl died after undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM).
This practice is illegal in the country.
The police have charged the women involved.
One woman could spend her life in jail and is currently held by the police.
The other two women are considered accomplices and are allowed to be free on bail.
The case has caused a lot of upset across the country because FGM is still happening even though it is against the law.
Officials from the National Human Rights Commission have said this case is a serious reminder that FGM is a crime and a violation of human rights.
Gambian police charged three women in connection with the death of a newborn girl due to FGM.
The charges were filed under the Women’s (Amendment) Act, 2015, which criminalizes FGM.
One woman faces life imprisonment and is in custody; two others were charged as accomplices and granted bail.
The case has sparked national outcry in The Gambia, where FGM persists despite a ban.
The National Human Rights Commission called the incident a reminder that FGM is a criminal offense and human rights violation.
- Who
- Gambian police and three women.
- What
- Three women charged in The Gambia after a baby girl's death due to FGM.
- When
- Recent
- Where
- The Gambia
- Why
- Charges relate to the death of a baby following FGM, which is illegal.
Pro-ban
N/A
Legality of FGM
Pro-ban
Advocates support banning FGM and protecting children from harm.
N/A
N/A
Human Rights
Pro-ban
FGM is a violation of human rights and a criminal offense.
N/A
N/A
- Event
- Death of a newborn linked to FGM
- Location
- The Gambia
- Charges
- Under Women’s (Amendment) Act, 2015
- Accused
- Three women
- Legal Status
- One faces life imprisonment; two granted bail
- Outcry
- Sparked national outcry