In a display of unity and grief, The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia (TANGO) convened a solemn gathering to honor the life of Sarjo Conteh, a one-month-old baby girl who allegedly died following Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). The event, held under heavy rainfall, drew activists, civil society leaders, and concerned citizens, all dressed in white and clutching flowers as a symbol of purity, mourning, and resistance.
Despite torrential rain, they turnout, a testament to the urgency of the cause.
UNICEF Country Representative Nafisa Binte Shafique addressed the crowd, noting, “It’s heavily raining, and yet a group of us are here. That only shows how committed we are to this call.” She paid tribute to the late Sarjo Conteh, saying, “May the little innocent soul rest in peace. May she become the power for all of us.”
Ndey Sering Bakurin, Executive Director of TANGO, delivered a heartfelt message that underscored the injustice of the tragedy. “This was a baby who could not make decisions on her own behalf. Decisions were made for her, decisions that cost her life,” Bakurin said. “We are here to show solidarity and unity against FGM and gender-based violence.”
TANGO Chairperson Yadicon Njie Eribo echoed the urgency, calling the incident “a stark reminder of the grave consequences of gender-based violence and harmful practices such as FGM.” She cited a disturbing rise in GBV cases in recent weeks and urged authorities to act swiftly. “Justice must not only be served but be seen to be served,” she declared.
Nfamara Jawneh, Executive Director of Beakanyang, praised TANGO’s leadership and emphasized that Sarjo’s death must serve as a national wake-up call. “This is the call again to the government to reaffirm their commitment that they will not tolerate this status to continue in this country,” he said. Jawneh urged law enforcement to enforce the FGM ban rigorously, stressing that no girl should ever endure such a harmful practice.
The gathering culminated in a minute of silence, observed by all attendees dressed in white, a poignant gesture of mourning and unity. The event not only honored Sarjo’s short life but reignited a collective demand for justice, accountability, and the eradication of FGM and GBV in The Gambia.
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