The Gambian government has sent a diplomatic envoy led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, to Mauritania over alleged abuse of Gambian migrants by Mauritanian security officers.

In response, the government condemned the incident and assured its Mauritanian counterpart in a bid to address the problem and ensure the safety of Gambian migrants in the country.

“In light of this, and in consideration of the strong bilateral ties between The Gambia and Mauritania, His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, has today dispatched His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, as a Special Envoy to his brother, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania,” the government said in a statement.

The government also directed the Gambian Embassy in Nouakchott to intensify engagements with the relevant Mauritanian authorities and strengthen interactions with the Gambian community to ensure the promotion and protection of their welfare.

The statement added: “In this regard, all Gambians residing in Mauritania are urged to register their presence with the Gambian Embassy in Nouakchott to facilitate effective and timely communication with the Gambian authorities.”

By Adama Makasuba