The Gambia Police Force on Wednesday, 13th August, 2025 has reported that they have arraigned and charged three women over the alleged FGM Death of a Month-old baby in Wellingara, West Coast Region of the Gambia.

They were arraigned before Magistrate Sambou of the Brikama Magistrate Court and charged under the Women’s Amendment Act, 2015.

The incident involving the death of the infant due to complications of Female Genital Mutilation was first reported by the Police on August 10th, 2025 which followed a public outrage and a renewed call to end the Harmful Practice.

The first accused, Fatou Camara, has been charged under Section 32A – Prohibition of Female Circumcision, which carries a 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, are charged under Section 32 B – Accomplices to Female Circumcision. Both have been granted bail, as the offence is bailable.

The GPF reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all vulnerable persons and urges the public to report any harmful traditional practices to the nearest police station.

Ending the Practice of FGM has become challenging in the Gambia, with the recent attempt by religious, traditional and some lawmakers to repeal the anti-FGM Law of 2015. Though the attempt to repeal the Women's Amendment Act 2015 was not successful, it gave rise to pro-FGM camps and the spread of misinformation regarding the practice.
This has led to both indoor and cross-border cutting, putting the lives of girls at risk.