Authorities in The Gambia are investigating the death of a one-month-old girl who is believed to have died as a result of female genital mutilation (FGM).
According to a statement from police, the infant was allegedly subjected to circumcision and later suffered severe bleeding.
She was declared dead upon arrival at a hospital in the village of Wellingara on Sunday.
Two women have been arrested in connection with the case and a more detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death is underway.
FGM has been banned in The Gambia since 2015.
The practice, which involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons, is often carried out without anesthesia, using blades or knives.
It is widely recognised as a human rights violation.
Despite its illegality, FGM remains common in parts of The Gambia and other countries.
It is often carried out by traditional practitioners outside of medical facilities.
The practice is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs related to notions of sexual purity and control.
According to the advocacy group Equality Now, FGM continues in 94 countries globally.
Around 60 per cent of those countries have legal prohibitions against it.
The enforcement is often weak and cultural traditions continue to perpetuate the practice.
The death of the infant has sparked widespread public outrage in The Gambia.
Human rights organisations are urging the government to strengthen enforcement of the anti-FGM law.
They also urge the government to take more decisive action to protect girls from the harmful practice.
