The bill to overturn the ban had passed a second reading in March with only five out of 53 lawmakers voting against it, raising concerns among rights groups that Gambia would become the first country to reverse a ban on the practice.

Lawmakers on Monday voted again on each of the bill's clauses ahead of a third and final reading scheduled for July 24, with a majority voting against each clause.

That prompted Jatta to stop the bill moving forward to the final reading. "The (National) Assembly cannot be engaged in such a futile exercise as to allow the bill to proceed to a third reading," Jatta said after the votes.

"The bill is rejected and the legislative process exhausted. The World Health Organisation says FGM has no health benefits and can lead to excessive bleeding, shock, psychological problems and even death.”

--Reuters--