Twelve Gambian migrants released from Libyan prisons are to come home after negotiation between The Gambia Government and Libyan authorities.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, it engaged the Libyan authorities to release and hand over 12 Gambian nationals who had already served 1 year jail term to the Gambian Association in Libya for repatriation to join their families. 

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Association wishes to inform the general public that 12 Gambian nationals have finally been released on 28 May 2022 without charge or condition,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to further assure the families/public that with the support of IOM, the 12 migrants will be repatriated on the next available charter flight through IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, and also provide them with medical and psychological support,” the statement added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba