Desperate Gambians stranded in Lebanon yesterday were alleged to have vandalised the Gambian consulate in Beirut over repatriation flight delay. 

The political and economic crisis in Lebanon caused by fallout from the huge explosion that rocked the capital Beirut a fortnight ago has affected migrant workers. 

Many Gambians in Lebanon, mostly women, worked as domestic servants and most times in appalling conditions. Some were even trafficked to the Middle Eastern country with promises of better jobs. 

Many are facing hardship and poverty after being laid off by their employers with little to no money. 

About 53 women in desperate conditions were trapped in the city without much help, Gambiana has learned. 

Tempers flared on Thursday after the migrants who had appealed to The Gambia government to repatriate them seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. 

Nigeria and other African countries have started repatriation flights to get their citizens back home. 

The Foreign ministry spokesman Saikou Ceesay has confirmed the attack on the consulate in Beirut.

“We condemn, in no uncertain term, this willful damage to property. The property housing the Gambian consulate in Beirut is a private one. We urge all Gambians to exercise their right to protest through peaceful means,“ Mr Ceesay told The Standard newspaper last night. 

“We have already sought waivers and emergency passports were approved and stamped by the immigration department in Beirut,” he said