Intercepted Gambian migrants in Morocco have finally being evacuated back to the country.

They numbered 71 but only 41 are so far flown into the country, according to a statement from the ministry of foreign affairs. 

“The Royal Moroccan Navy recently intercepted at sea a boat with 71 Gambian nationals. The Gambian Embassy in Rabat and the Consul-General in Dakhla worked with the Moroccan authorities to ensure their safe evacuation to The Gambia.

“Forty-one of the 71 Gambians safely arrived on the 21st June, 2023 as 23 absconded before departure,” the ministry added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba