Two Gambian students from war torn Ukraine have arrived today at the Banjul international airport. 

Sering Mass Laye and Amadou Bah were evacuated to Slovakia before boarding a Turkish Airlines flight to Banjul. 

Their return comes two weeks after plea for their evacuation from Ukraine following a Russian invasion. 

Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Awa Touray told Gambiana exclusively that so far only two Gambians have opted to come home.

 “Yes, two Gambian students have arrived this morning 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. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba