By Adama Makasuba
The ministry of foreign affairs has promised to use diplomatic channel for solution to mass deportation facing Gambian migrants living in Italy.
On Saturday, The Fatu Network received a number of calls from Gambian migrants in Italy, who have complained of facing mass deportation as they have been held in police custody in one of Italy’s ‘notorious’ camps for almost two months.
Speaking to The Fatu Network in a telephone interview from CPR Gradisca.ca31 via Udine Camp in Italy, Ousman Touray, 28, said: “We are arrested because of documents issues and we face deportation.
“We are detained in gradisca.31. via Udine deportation camp in a deep forest where Italian used to detain their notorious criminals and even if one escapes here, it will take you five days before you would reach a village. It’s possible that you might even die before seing a village for sanctuary.”
He said the Italian government has revoked a six-month permit which allowed migrants to stay in the country without facing documentation issue. He also said the detained Gambians migrants are being kept in separate deportation camps across Italy.
The spokesperson of ministry of foreign affairs Saikou Ceesay told The Fatu Network on Wednesday: “We are not aware of arrest of any Gambian. But we will use our diplomatic channel to see what to do and what is really happening in Italy as far as Gambians situations are concerned. We will use diplomatic channel to find out what really is happening to our citizens there [Italy].”
However, Barrow-led government has been accused of making a deal with European Union to deport Gambians. But the government however denied the allegations as false, claiming to be in negotiations with EU to safeguard and protect the interest of Gambians living in Europe.
