Gunjur Ward Councillor Urges Foreign Minister to Act Swiftly on Plight of Gambians in Libya

Gunjur, The Gambia – June 1, 2025 — In the wake of a tragic fire incident in Libya that has reportedly claimed the lives of Gambian migrants and left several others critically injured, Gunjur Ward Councillor Hon. Momodou Charreh Gibba has written an open letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, urging immediate government intervention to assist affected Gambians.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mamadou Tangara

The incident, which has sparked widespread concern among families and communities in The Gambia, has drawn attention to the dangers faced by Gambian migrants in North Africa. Councillor Gibba expressed heartbreak over the situation and called on the government to urgently investigate the matter and provide necessary support.

“It is heartbreaking to learn that our fellow citizens, in their search for better opportunities, have found themselves in such harrowing circumstances,” Gibba wrote in his letter. “Reports suggest that the victims are in dire need of medical attention, consular support, and immediate humanitarian assistance.”

In his appeal, the Councillor outlined four key recommendations:

1. Immediate verification of the identities and status of the Gambians involved in the fire.

2. Deployment of a diplomatic or consular mission to Libya to assist victims and, where necessary, arrange for evacuation.

3. Collaboration with international partners and humanitarian agencies on the ground.

4. Provision of timely public updates to inform affected families and the nation at large.

Councillor Gibba emphasised that safeguarding the lives and dignity of Gambians abroad is a moral and constitutional duty of the state. He stressed that a swift and visible government response would not only save lives but also demonstrate national solidarity and responsibility.

Two Gambian migrants are reported to have died in the fire alledgedly caused by gas

The open letter was also copied to the Office of the President, the Ministry of Interior, the Gambia Immigration Department, and the National Assembly, signaling the urgency and importance of the matter.