It Is Not Required In Islam, Gambian President Says As He Bans Female Genital Mutilation

The Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh has banned female genital mutilation (FGM) saying it is not required in Islam. The announcement at a rally was met with a huge applause.

Three-quarters of women in the mostly Muslim country have had the procedure, according to Unicef. In the procedure's most severe form, after removing the sensitive clitoris, the genitals are cut and stitched closed so that the woman cannot have or enjoy sex.

But now, the President says it has been banned as it is not required in Islam, a religion most of them practice.