Gov’t Allocates D 2 Million Dalasi To Evacuate Stranded Gambians In Libya

As 164 Returnees Arrived Thursday

By Staff Reporter Bakary Gibba, Banjul

BANJUL, THE GAMBIA—As The Gambia welcomes another batch of returnees from war ravaged Libya, the Government says it had allocated over D2 Million dalasi to facilitate the airlifting of its nationals in the troubled Islamic country. The Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service Dr. Njogu Bah made the announcement yesterday at a well attended homecoming ceremony, where loved ones showed up to receive their relatives from Libya. Dr. Bah said the regime is concerned about the plight of diasaporan Gambians, especially those currently stranded in Tripoli. He said the Government would do everything in its means to facilitate the expeditious evacuation of the remaining Gambian nationals in the Islamic country.

About 164 Gambians arrived at the Banjul International Airport at around noon from Libya—shortly before lunch time. They were received by Foreign Minister Dr. Momodou Tangara, Dr. Njogu Bah, Service Chiefs, and other Government functionaries.

Dr. Tangara, who heaped praises for President Jammeh, and his leadership for their tireless services to look out for its nationals outside The Gambia, said all this is possible thanks to Mr. Jammeh’s benevolent intervention. He said the President has ensured that the stranded Gambians in Libya were evacuated without any further delays.  He said they are working hand in hand with The Gambian representative in Libya to facilitate an expeditious evacuation process.

Among the returnees was one Abdoulie Sonko, who thanked President Jammeh for the kind gesture accorded to them. He said there is nothing like home, and without the divine intervention of the Jammeh Government, they wouldn’t have make it at home.

Also paying tribute to the Government’s magnanimous move to facilitate the timely evacuation of its nationals in Libya, was Lamin Saidy. Mr. Saidy, sustained injuries, alongside with three other Gambian returnees. He explained that they were attacked by armed bandits, who robbed them off their belongings.  Mr. Saidy, said during the altercation some of them sustained injuries. He said they are very grateful to the Government for facilitating their safe return home