Mai Ahmad Fatty, a leading member of the Gambian coalition that defeated the country’s outgoing President Yahya Jammeh in last December polls has disclosed that President Barrow wants all Gambians who fled during past and recent political uncertainty to return home.
Gambian refugees say they will not return home after fleeing to Senegal until long-time ruler Yahya Jammeh leaves the country a condition that is likely to be fulfilled on Saturday January 21 when Jammeh is expected to fly out to Guinea Conakry.
Barrow met with Gambians resident in Senegal, where he was sworn in on Thursday.
According to Fatty, the new government was doing all it takes to resolve the refugee exodus particularly on its border with Senegal.
“It was useful opportunity to have met and interacted with so many of our citizens resident in Senegal. Many are victims of oppression who escaped to seek refuge, living under sustained challenges in exile for so many years. They sacrificed and risked their lives for The Gambia.
“It was inspiring to hear from Gambian Refugee Association in Senegal and their experiences living in exile. They can now return home to rebuild their lives. Having been a refugee myself, I could empathise what they went through.
“Yet the right of citizens to criticise their government or its officials is guaranteed by law and cannot be interfered with,” his post read in part.
