“I personally don’t believe in cast systems and refuse to stand by any culture or tradition that does,” said Jaha Dukureh last week.

The outspoken anti-FGM campaigner was reacting to the killing of a 19-year-old boy who was stabbed during violent clashes on caste differences involving two Serahule clans in Garawol in Upper River Region.

In a Facebook post, Jaha said the caste system is an idiotic social structure and those forcing it on people should be ashamed of themselves.

“All men were created equally and who are we to consider people our slaves. Let’s start having honest conversations about these issues.”

Germany-based Gambian film producer, Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu commented: “Thanks to WhatsApp and Social Media this hidden ugly side of the communities is being exposed. However, it has been going on for generations. In my 20 plus years in journalism, I got information on countless cases of the practice in many of our communities.”

Three people are currently under police custody in connection with the killing of the 19-year-old with the principal suspect, one Bilal Conteh, 21, still at large.

Police spokesperson ASP Lamin Njie, in an interview with Standard Newspaper, urged the public to remain vigilant and help the police in the search for the runaway suspect who is currently on top of the police most wanted list.