Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-19 09:29:00
Human rights activists in The Gambia are expressing disappointment over lawmakers’ decision to allow a private member’s bill aimed at lifting the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) to pass a second reading. The bill, introduced by Almameh Gibba of Foñi Kansala, seeks to repeal the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015, which outlawed FGM in The Gambia in 2015 under then-President Yahya Jammeh.
Already, influential Muslim clerics are pushing for the ban to be repealed, while women’s rights activists are determined to campaign for its retention. According to the UN, more than three-quarters of Gambian females aged between 15 and 49 have undergone FGM or female circumcision.
Followers of the outspoken Muslim cleric, Abdoulie Fatty, have rallied in support of the bill as it was introduced for the second time, chanting slogans affirming their religious beliefs and their opposition to selling out their country.
In his defense of the bill during the second reading, Gibba argued that the ban on female circumcision contradicts the principles of the United Nations, which advocate for the preservation and practice of cultural and historical heritages. He emphasized that properly conducted circumcision as per religious guidelines is not mutilation and should be allowed under religious guidance and care.
However, members of the National Assembly like Gibbi Mballow and Lamin Ceesay have differing views on the matter. Mballow emphasized the need to protect the interests of the country and opposed the bill, citing the harmful effects of FGM on girls and women. He urged his colleagues to reject the bill, invoking the teachings of Prophet Muhammad against harmful practices.
On the other hand, Ceesay argued that the ban on FGM is in conflict with the Gambian constitution, depriving Muslims of the right to practice their religious and cultural beliefs. He expressed concerns about potential financial sanctions from Western countries if FGM is decriminalized but remained firm in his stance to challenge the ban in court even if the bill fails.
Moreover, accusations of being sponsored by Western interests were leveled at those against the repeal of the ban by NAM for Foñi Bintang, Bakary Badjie. Minority leader Alhagie Darboe proposed subjecting the discussion around FGM to a national dialogue and suggested further consultation on the bill.
Despite the mixed reactions, the majority leader, and Member for Kantora, Bilay Tunkara, tabled a motion for the bill to be referred to the Assembly Business Committee for further scrutiny. The president of the Female Lawyers Association (Flag), Anna Njie, expressed disappointment at the bill’s progress, while the executive director of Beakanyang Kafo, Nfamara Jawneh, called on lawmakers to reflect on their consciences and prevent the bill from passing.
Going forward, the debate surrounding the ban on FGM in The Gambia remains contentious, with stakeholders on both sides advocating for the protection of cultural practices and the rights of women and girls. The outcome of this legislative process will have implications for the country’s cultural heritage, human rights, and international relations.
Read the original article on The Standard
