In the Gambia, the death of a one-month-old girl, following female genital mutilation (FGM), arouses a lively emotion and relaunches the debate on this traditional practice. The police of Wellingara have announced the opening of an investigation after the child, excised in said village, suffered from severe hemorrhages. According to the authorities, she was transported urgently to the Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. An internal investigation conducted by the hospital confirmed that the girl had undergone an excision. Two women suspected of being involved in this case have been placed in detention, according to the police. The investigation continues in Wellingara, in the west of the country, where the events took place. An autopsy is underway to determine if the intervention is the direct cause of death. Although illegal since 2015, female genital mutilation is still widely practiced in The Gambia.
Gambia: Controversy over the death of a one-month-old girl after excision.
