Photo Caption: Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad
By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Sering Modou Njie, has confirmed that approximately 100 Gambian nationals are currently being held in detention centers across Turkey.
Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Minister Njie said Turkish authorities have repatriated more than 260,000 migrants of various nationalities, adding that Gambians account for about 100 individuals either detained or undergoing related immigration processes.
“Currently looking at the statistics from the Turkish side, more than 260,000 other national migrants have been repatriated, and then among that list and those also in detention, we have about 100 Gambians in various detention centers,” he said.
The minister noted that the Gambian government is actively working to ensure detained citizens have access to consular services and necessary support.
“Our missions will reach out to them; they can be identified as Gambians, and usually we provide consular support,” he said.
However, he explained that providing support is sometimes challenging, as some Gambians in detention are reluctant to disclose their identities, particularly those hoping to continue their onward journeys to other countries. “Most of those that are detained are also without documentation,“ he said.
Minister Njie further highlighted concerns regarding communication gaps between detained Gambians and the Gambian mission in Ankara, stressing the need for a rapid response mechanism to assist citizens in distress.
“At least at the level of the mission, there has to be a rapid response mechanism; wherever we find out that our citizens are in trouble, they should be able to reach out to them as soon as possible using all means and facilities to afford them support,” he said.
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