By Lamin Njie
Foreign affairs minister Dr Mamadou Tangara met China’s ambassador to The Gambia Ma Jianchun over the maltreatment of Africans in China.
China has come under criticism following reports Africans including Gambians living in the country are being subjected to all kinds of coronavirus abuse and maltreatment.
The foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad is deeply concerned by reports it has received on the maltreatment of Africans, including Gambian nationals in Guangzhou, Guangdong Region, in China. According to the reports, Gambians and other African nationals have been subjected to forceful eviction, quarantine and multiple compulsory tests for the Coronavirus by local authorities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad deplores the reported incidences and hopes that corrective measures will be taken.
“The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara communicated The Gambia’s position and feelings during a meeting with His Excellency Ma Jianchun, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia on Tuesday 14th April 2020.
“During the meeting, Ambassador Ma Jianchun re-echoed Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs pronouncements following the latter’s meeting with the African Group of Ambassadors in Beijing that the reported incidences were unacceptable to the Government of China and that efforts were being undertaken to address the situation.
“The Ministry appreciates the efforts undertaken thus far by the Central Government of the People’s Republic of China in dealing with the disturbing events in Guangzhou. The Ministry further welcomes the assurances by the Chinese authorities that all foreigners are treated equally and there is a policy of zero tolerance for discrimination and racism against anybody including Africans.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad wishes to reassure all Gambians living in China particularly those living in Guangzhou that their interests will be protected. They are being advised to remain calm and to contact The Gambia Embassy in Beijing should they find themselves in any difficulties.”
