The Gambia government has issued warning to the public against practicing female circumcision also known as female genital mutilation (FGM) after parliament upheld 2015 law that criminalised the practice.

A Gambian lawmaker, Almamy Gibba, plunged the nation into heated debate after proposing a private member bill dubbed Women Amendment Act 2024 that wanted to repeal ban on FGM. 

However, on Monday lawmakers upheld a Jammeh-era law that banned FGM. The law punishes anyone found liable to the crime with at least 3 years imprisonment and 50,000 dalasis fine.

During the voting, 32 national assembly members voted to keep the ban leaving only 20 MPs voting to lift the ban while others abstain. 

Reacting to the parliament decision, The Gambia government through its ministry of information said: “the ban on FGM is still firmly maintained in The Gambia.

“This vote reaffirms The Gambia Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of women and girls throughout the country. The government will continue to work towards legislative and policy reforms that advance gender equality and empower women and girls across the nation.”

“Enacted in 2015, the law banning FM remains in full effect. This practice has caused significant harm to many women and girls over generations. The government stands firm in its resolve to eliminate this harmful practice.

“FGM remains a crime in The Gambia, and anyone found engaging in or facilitating this practice will face the full force of the law. We call on all citizens to respect and adhere to this law, and to support our efforts to eradicate this harmful practice,” the statement added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba