Explainer: The Gambia’s High-Profile FGM Case and Infant Death

What Happened? On August 10, 2025, the parents of a one-month-old infant rushed her to Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital after she suffered severe complications. Medical staff pronounced the baby dead upon arrival. Authorities later confirmed that the infant had undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), prompting a police investigation. Arrests and Charges The Gambia Police Force initially detained two suspects before charging three women under the Women’s (Amendment) Act, 2015, which criminalizes FGM. The accused include: Fatou Camara, the alleged cutter (Ngansingba), charged under Section 32A (Prohibition of Female Circumcision), which carries a possible life sentence. She has been remanded in custody. The mother of the deceased and a paternal aunt, also facing charges as accomplices but granted bail. The infant’s body...

August 14, 2025Explainers
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Explainer: Can NPP Keep Seat Against Opposition Alliance in Half-Die Vote

The contest in Banjul on Saturday between recent former allies, the ruling coalition and a former ruling party backed by the opposition, promises to be a hard-fought battle - a symbolic test of political strength with a year and a half until the presidential election. Kaddy JawoKaddy Jawo heads Malagen's media monitoring and factchecking desk. She is also an investigative reporter. When the United Democratic Party (UDP) defeated its arch-rival, the ruling National People's Party (NPP) in the Kiang Masembeh by-election, its officials declared the victory a sign of what could happen in the 2026 presidential election.  Yet the main opposition...

April 25, 2025Election Hub, Explainers, The Big Story
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Explainer: Why Is the IEC Holding a By-Election in Banjul Half-Die Ward?

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of The Gambia is holding a by-election in Banjul’s Half-Die Ward following the unexpected vacancy of the councillor position. The seat became vacant after Momodou Bah, the former councillor under the National People's Party (NPP), reportedly abandoned his post during an official visit to Belgium. The trip was part of efforts to strengthen the sister-city partnership between Banjul City Council and Ostend City Council. Bah’s prolonged absence, without any formal excuse or return to duty, prompted the IEC to invoke Section 23 of the Local Government Act and declare the seat vacant. A by-election has now...

April 9, 2025Explainers, Factchecking
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Explainer: How the IEC Chairman Is Appointed in The Gambia

What Is the IEC and Why Does It Matter? The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is a critical constitutional body in The Gambia, entrusted with the responsibility of conducting national elections, referenda, and ensuring the overall integrity of the electoral process. Its role is vital to the country’s democracy, as it ensures that elections are free, fair, and transparent. The IEC helps safeguard the democratic rights of Gambians by overseeing the entire election process—from voter registration to certifying election results. Thus, the role of the IEC Chairman is of paramount importance in maintaining electoral credibility and public trust. What Does the Constitution Say? According to...

April 8, 2025Explainers, Factchecking
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