Imam Fatty’s campaign to de-criminalize what he prefers to call ‘Female circumcision’ calls for some clarity on what he is talking about and its implications for him and his supporters.
Newspapers report him saying he supports, not FGM, but ‘cutting just a little’. So, he needs to call forth his knowledge of the Female anatomy to explain to everyone his understanding of what the various forms of FGM entail and compare those to what he promotes as ‘cutting just a little’. The bill sponsor, Mr. AlmamyGibba, could help the Imam by giving a presentation at the National Assembly to show, using illustrations, what they are promoting.
During his presentation, he might be uncomfortable using proper anatomical names for the various parts of the female genitalia. Using the usual local term ‘private parts’ is not helpful in this matter. But he could call on a medical expert for help. Dr. Tamsir Mbowe of TRRC fame might do.
If Imam Fatty is serious about changing the law, he has a responsibility to educate the women ‘cutters’ on what is okay and what is not okay. Some precision is needed here. Any thoughtful bill about this topic must give detailed guidelines about the ritual.
He would be well advised to change his pro-‘cutting just a little’ position more digestible if he argues for leaving the decision to cut or not to cut to the victims themselves who are at least 18 years old. They can decide for themselves just what level of religious and cultural purity they want to achieve. They are the ones, after all, who have to live with the consequences, not Imam Fatty, Mr. Gibba, and their supporters.
Over and out, Guest Editorial