Lamin Fatty, the National Coordinator of the Child Protection Alliance, has criticized the government and the Inspector General of Police for failing to enforce the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). Fatty questioned the government’s stance as the National Assembly prepares to examine a private bill seeking to legalize FGM and repeal existing prohibitions.

Fatty accused the Gambia Police Force and the government, led by President Barrow and IGP Sanyang, of hindering efforts to protect children’s rights, particularly girls affected by harmful traditional practices like FGM and child marriage.

Referring to Section 32 B(1) of the Amended Women’s Act 2010, which prohibits incitement or promotion of FGM, Fatty highlighted the ongoing public advocacy of FGM by Salafi preacher Imam Fatty as a violation of the law. He called for Imam Fatty’s detention and prosecution for promoting FGM.

Speaking on Friday, Imam Fatty vowed that unless the anti-FGM law is overturned, there will be no peace. In addition, he promised that his Salafi obedience would marry off their girl daughters as early as 13 years old, which would be a violation of the legislation against child marriage.

“We cannot sit and watch this country turn into a lawless state,” Fatty emphasized, urging enforcement of the law against FGM advocates.

Meanwhile, Mai Ahmad Fatty, leader of the GMC party, has become the first political leader to endorse the continuation of FGM in The Gambia. He stated that parents should be free to decide whether to circumcise their daughters but disagreed with claims that uncircumcised women are more promiscuous.