By Adama Makasuba
Two Gambian students yesterday (Sunday) arrived in the country from a war-torn Ukraine through the Turkish Airlines.
Sering Mass Laye and Amadou Bah were evacuated from Ukraine to Slovakia before boarding the Turkish Airlines to Banjul.
Their return comes barely two weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine that left one million people including foreign students to flee the country.
Awa Touray, Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad told The Voice that so far only two Gambians have opted to come home.
“Yes, two Gambian students have arrived this morning (yesterday) from Slovakia with some officials,” she said, adding the returnees were welcomed by senior government officials, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
Last week the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad announced that 32 Gambians including students have been evacuated from Ukraine to other European countries.
But added that their return to the country will be based on their wish – and that anyone of them can choose the countries in Europe they want to be evacuated into as the Ministry engages countries like Morocco, Nigeria and European nations for support in evacuating the stranded Gambians.
“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 with a means of subsistence. This offer has been accepted by the Gambians except a few who prefer to make private arrangements. This offer of assistance will nonetheless be placed at their disposal whenever requested.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further wishes to inform families of the evacuated Gambians and the general public that 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 shall only be provided to those who request for it,” the Ministry said.
