A civil society group, Concerned Citizens, has protested against the deportation of Gambian migrants living in European countries. 

Protesters denounced the Barrow government for not doing enough to stop the deportation of Gambian migrants from Europe. 

They blamed the Barrow government of agreeing to a secret deal that has paved the way for mass deportations of Gambian migrants. 

The frequency of deportation flights from European countries has recently increased with dozens of desperate Gambian migrants being repatriated against their will. 

Dodou Kassa Jatta, a protester, slammed the Barrow government over deportation of Gambians, accusing the government of being part of deal to send home Gambians from Europe.

“Adama Barrow and his government are not helping the country, but they are causing more plights and suffering to Gambians. They are sending immigration officers to Europe to work with European governments to deport our Gambian children from Europe. This has to be stopped. Gambians are tired of this deportation. And we will make sure this ends,” he told reporters.

A distressed woman who broke in tears added that: “We are tired. We sold our properties to send our children to Europe to help us and the government is now deporting them back to the country.”

Alassana Sabally also criticised the Barrow government for being complicit in the deportation of Gambians.

He said it’s Gambians in the diaspora [in Europe and America] who are helping thousands of families back home [with their living expenses], adding that if they are sent back then the country will soon crumble.

The protesters, who said Barrow and his government have failed to improve the lives and livelihoods of Gambians, called on them to handover power to a competent team of people.  

The Barrow government has denied signing any deportation deal with the European Union, adding that it is doing everything in its power to help Gambians in Europe. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba