WELLINGARA — The Gambia's Supreme Court is preparing to rule on the country's ban on female genital mutilation on July 8, 2026. This decision follows a constitutional challenge aiming to repeal the 2015 law, which criminalizes the practice.

The 2015 law includes penalties of up to three years in prison and life imprisonment if the practice results in death. In early 2024, a lawmaker introduced a bill attempting to repeal this ban; however, parliament rejected the attempt later in the year.

According to the 2019-2020 Demographic and Health Survey, 65 percent of girls in The Gambia undergo FGM before age five, and an additional 18 percent between ages five and nine. UNICEF estimates that about three in four Gambian women have undergone FGM.

Supporters of the constitutional challenge characterize the case as protecting religious freedom and cultural rights. The Gambia's Supreme Islamic Council backed the proposal to repeal the ban in 2024, describing female genital cutting as "one of the virtues of Islam." In 2024, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Parliament to support repealing the ban.

Human rights groups and medical organizations maintain that all forms of non-medical female genital cutting violate girls' bodily autonomy and fundamental rights. Abdoulie Ceesay, a member of parliament, described FGM as "a violation of human rights." Ceesay's constituency was affected by the death of a three-month-old baby late last year near Wellingara, approximately 15km (9 miles) from Banjul, following what authorities described as a clandestine FGM procedure.

The High Court acquitted three women in May 2026 who were charged in connection with the baby's death, ruling that prosecutors did not prove their case. "We are still in shock over what happened. No community should have to endure such a loss," Ceesay said, stating that the country's ban on FGM must remain to protect girls.

Mariama Jabbie, 28, has two daughters, aged six and nine. Jabbie underwent FGM at the age her daughters are now. "I am always on high alert. I worry that a relative could take my daughters without my knowledge. Over my dead body will any of my daughters go through what I went through," Jabbie said.

Why It Matters

The upcoming Supreme Court ruling will determine the future of the 2015 law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia. The ongoing debate represents a conflict between cultural and religious practices and human rights, particularly concerning girls' and women's health and bodily autonomy. The overturning of the ban could impact the prevalence of FGM, which currently affects a majority of Gambian girls and women.

Despite the ban, only two FGM cases had reached prosecution by 2024. The 2026 Supreme Court decision is a focal point in this continuing legal and social discussion.