Fallu Sowe, the National Coordinator of the Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV), has raised significant concerns about a troubling new trend in The Gambia: the rape of boys. This form of violence, which was once considered rare, is increasingly being reported to the Network, revealing a disturbing dimension of sexual violence in the country. According to Sowe, this shift emphasises the urgent need to recognise that boys can also be victims of sexual violence and must be protected with the same urgency and care afforded to girls.

Sowe spoke with us in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Network’s office in Brusubi Phase 2, West Coast Region of The Gambia.

“One of the emerging forms of violence we are witnessing is the increase in sexual violence against young boys. This is concerning because this type of abuse is rare and traditionally not known among our people in The Gambia. While sexual abuse of girls and women has been acknowledged, the rise in boys being raped is a new issue in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence that warrants attention,” he said. He urged parents to be vigilant in protecting their sons just as they would protect their daughters.

From January to October 2025, the Network has recorded about 400 cases of sexual and gender-based violence through their one-stop centres, which extend from Banjul to Basse. Most of these cases involve sexual violence, including rape, defilement, and the sexual abuse of children.

“I believe the reported numbers are increasing, but I don’t think the actual cases occurring in communities are rising. Rather, due to increased awareness and education, many people are now reporting incidents. Additionally, the reporting mechanisms are far more accessible than they were before,” he noted.

Fallu said that in the past, individuals had to visit police stations or Social Welfare offices to report cases; however, there are now numerous civil society organisations (CSOs) in communities where people can report incidents. Furthermore, he said that there are help lines, such as 199 and 1313, allowing people to report incidents from the comfort of their homes. He added that this ease of reporting has contributed to the rise in the number of reported cases.

Sowe also mentioned the alarming prevalence of child pornography in recent years. He has noted instances where children take nude pictures and videos of their peers and share them online. He stated that this issue, particularly notable in the tourism sector, requires urgent attention before it escalates further.

Fallu reminded the public, communities, and individuals that the only way to combat sexual and gender-based violence in The Gambia is to report perpetrators to the authorities. He urged families not to conceal cases within their homes or communities so that survivors of violence can receive the support and protection they need.

Author: Halimatou Ceesay