Mai Ahmed Fatty, leader of the opposition Gambia Moral Congress, has welcomed a proposed bill seeking to repeal the ban on female circumcision.

The bill, introduced by Almameh Gibba, National Assembly member for Foni Kansala, seeks to repeal a Jammeh-era law that banned the deep-rooted practice of female circumcision. 

The bill has however attracted tense debate between some religious leaders and politicians on one hand and women’s rights activists on the other. 

Speaking to Gambiana on his stance, Mai Fatty, who served as minister of interior, said: “let me use this opportunity to express my appreciation to the honourable Almameh Gibba, National Assembly member Foni Kansala and I want to take this opportunity to express my solidarity with him and to demonstrate publicly my unconditional support for the bill

(Women’s Amendment Bill).”

According to Mr Fatty, it is an entrenched provision in the country’s constitution for anyone to practice their faith and culture with no obstruction.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba