One year ago, on November 6, 2025, Djibouti's constitution was amended to include a ban on female genital mutilation. The mutilations, known locally as excision or gudniin, involve cutting or removing parts of a girl's external genitalia without medical reason. The most severe form, infibulation, or gudniin fircooni, involves cutting and re-stitching the genitalia, leaving only a small opening. This form is the most prevalent and most severe, with serious long-term health consequences for those who undergo it.
The dangers of female genital mutilation are well-documented. Immediate risks include intense pain, hemorrhage, infection, and even death. Long-term consequences include painful menstruation and sex, recurring urinary infections, and complicated childbirth. The trauma can last a lifetime, with no health benefits from the practice, even in its most "light" forms. Despite being banned, the practice persists, driven by deep-rooted tradition and social norms.
Prior to the constitutional amendment, female genital mutilation was already illegal in Djibouti, punishable under the penal code since 1995. The 2009 law defined the practice, penalized perpetrators and accomplices, and mandated reporting. A national strategy from 2018 to 2022 aimed to eradicate the practice, supported by UNFPA and UNICEF. The constitutional ban raised the prohibition to the highest level of the legal system, making it a matter of national dignity and bodily integrity.
Under the new law, those who perform female genital mutilation face five years in prison and a fine of one million Djibouti francs. Accomplices, including parents and organizers, are also punished. The reform ensures that no law or custom can contradict the ban, and judges are mandated to enforce the constitutional rights. The ban includes all forms of female genital mutilation, including the so-called "sunna" form.
Despite severe penalties, challenges persist in enforcing the law. Many cases go unreported, as victims are often young girls who cannot speak out, and the practice is often hidden within families. Limited access to healthcare and protection services in remote areas further complicates efforts to combat the practice. Associations working against female genital mutilation can take legal action on behalf of victims, but more needs to be done to support them.
To effectively implement the ban, several areas need improvement. There is a need for better coordination between authorities and healthcare providers to protect victims and prevent mutilation. Legal measures, such as emergency protection orders and extended statute of limitations for victims, are also necessary. Additionally, education and community engagement are crucial in changing attitudes and preventing the practice.
One year after the constitutional ban, the impact remains uncertain. While the ban is a significant step forward, changing deep-seated traditions and social norms takes time. The effectiveness of the law will be measured by the number of reported cases, prosecutions, and convictions, as well as a decline in the practice among younger girls. The government, institutions, and civil society must work together to ensure the ban is enforced and that female genital mutilation is eradicated in Djibouti.
Key points
- The constitutional ban on female genital mutilation in Djibouti marks a significant step towards eradicating the practice, but effective implementation and enforcement are crucial to achieving lasting change.
