The diplomat at the centre of a series of rape accusations has been suspended from his post and recalled to Banjul pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Melvill Robertson Roberts, a barrister and deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was accused by several women of rape and sexual assaults after a beauty queen sparked a metoo movement in the country.

Mr Roberts’ suspension letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was leaked on social media by an anonymous official on Tuesday.

In the letter Mr Roberts, who is also head of the America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was given 7 days to return to The Gambia.

The Foreign Ministry also informed Roberts that they had requested the Personnel Management Office and Public Service Commission to suspend him, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Mr Roberts is currently in the United Kingdom where he was completing his Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy.