By Adama Makasuba
.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad has disclosed that 32 stranded Gambians in Ukraine have been evacuated to other European nations.
The Ministry added that 22 of the evacuated Gambians are currently in Poland and 8 are in Slovakia and 1 Gambian with his Ukrainian wife and child are in Romania and one in Hungary.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad wish to update the general public on the latest information from our Mission in Brussels on situation of Gambians in Ukraine. New information available to the Ministry indicates that 32 Gambians have been successfully evacuated from conflict in Ukraine. Twenty-two are in Poland and eight in Slovakia, one in Romania with his Ukrainian wife and child and one in Budapest, Hungary,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry also said: “The government of The Gambia through the mission in Brussels has arranged for hotel lodgings in all the above listed countries for the evacuated Gambians and provided them means of subsistence.This offer has been accepted by the Gambians except a few to make private arrangements. This offer of assistance will nonetheless be place at their disposal wherever of request.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further wishes to inform families of the evacuated Gambians and the general public the government will facilitate the return of the evacuated Gambians back home. This information has been communicated to all concerned. However, the decision to return to The Gambia or make alternative arrangements is an individual prerogative which shall be respected by the Embassy and, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This offer only is provided to those who report for it.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure the public that the operation to effectively evacuate the rest of our citizens in Ukraine is still ongoing and the Embassy officials on the ground in Polish Ukraine border as well as in Brussels continue to communicate, guide and facilitate the movement and safe passage of Gambian citizens in Ukraine. This process will continue until the last known Gambian is evacuated,” the Ministry added
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed of valuable assistance received from the government of the Republic of Poland, The Republic Slovakia, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria through their diplomatic representation in Brussels, Poland and Ukraine,” it concluded.