By Seedy Jobe
Fatoumatta Touma Njie, the National Assembly member for Banjul South, reaffirmed her support for The Gambia’s prohibition on female genital mutilation, calling legal protections for girls “non-negotiable” as the country’s Supreme Court reviews a challenge to the ban.
In a statement, Ms. Njie said her 2024 vote to uphold the law was guided by a commitment to protecting the health, dignity, and rights of Gambian girls.
“Last year, I voted to uphold The Gambia’s prohibition on FGM because protecting girls is non-negotiable,” she said.
The ban, enacted in 2015 and enforced through the Women’s (Amendment) Act, has drawn renewed scrutiny after opponents petitioned the court, arguing the practice is rooted in cultural and religious tradition and should not be criminalized.
Ms. Njie said she was closely watching the proceedings. “The Supreme Court’s hearing of this case is an important milestone that I’m following with a lot of interest,” she said.
She added that maintaining the criminal prohibition sends an unequivocal message that “The Gambia chooses protection over harm, “pledging to continue advocating for laws that defend women and girls. Safeguarding them, she said, remains a top priority and a matter of basic human rights. “Safeguarding girls and upholding human rights”.
The FGM ban remains one of the country’s most divisive issues. Opponents argue that the practice is rooted in cultural and religious tradition, while supporters insist that the law is essential to shield girls from irreversible physical and psychological harm.
As the Supreme Court weighs its decision, human rights advocates, both domestic and international, are closely monitoring the case.