The Fatu Network has got information that The Gambia’s deranged dictator, Yahya Jammeh has withdrawn security protection to The US Embassy in Banjul. The news of the withdrawal came as a shock to The Embassy that under The Geneva Convention has to rely on host Governments to a greater extend to provide security to diplomatic missions and facilities.
According to a press release from The US Embassy in Banjul, The Gambia’s decision came as unexpected. Currently The US Embassy in Banjul has temporarily scaled down operations as it critically examines the security implications of this latest move by Jammeh.
Although it is still not cleared what might have triggered the withdrawal of security from The Embassy, it is however interesting to note that dictator Jammeh has always acted with contempt and disdain when dealing with partners especially those he sees to be siding with his perceived enemies.
Just two weeks ago during his dialogue with the people tour, the dictator expressed anger at The US Government for what he called the light sentencing of those US nationals of Gambian origin who conducted a pre dawn attack on The State House in december 2014 as part of a broader plan to remove him from office. Although dictator Jammeh’s government survived that attack, he has since been fuming at western governments for allegedly supporting the attackers.
The dictator has always been taking about unspecified actions against those western governments including the US. It is not surprising though that the government has now withdrawn security protection to The US Embassy which some analyst are linking to the broader threats of Jammeh’s unspecified actions against the West.
Meanwhile, The US is closed for all non essential services on Thursday, June, 9, 2016. Below we produce the full press statement from The Embassy:
United States Embassy Banjul, The Gambia
Security Message for U.S. Citizens:
“Embassy Closure”
The U.S. Embassy in Banjul is closed for all non-essential services on Thursday, June 9,
because The Gambian government has unexpectedly withdrawn police protection.
U.S. Embassy Banjul will continue to closely monitor the situation, and will keep you informed as events unfold.
For further information:
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for The Gambia.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Bajul, located at 92 Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul, at +(220) 439-2856 is open Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After hours emergency number for U.S. citizen
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in tFac States 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
