The Gambian foreign affairs ministry has announced urgent plans to airlift citizens from conflict areas in the Middle East. This decision comes amid escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and other troubled regions.
Many Gambians are among the increasing number of African students and workers residing in the area. Following Kenya’s lead, The Gambia is coordinating the evacuation of its nationals from Lebanon, which has faced airstrikes and ground incursions by the Israeli Defense Force targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah. This surge in conflict began after a deadly Hamas attack in Israel on October 7th last year.
Recent reports indicate that nearly one thousand people have died due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, prompting many Africans living there to flee the violence. Some Sierra Leoneans have voiced their frustrations over being stranded in Lebanon, claiming neglect from local authorities. However, no casualties have been reported among the African community so far.
In response to the deteriorating situation in Beirut and throughout Lebanon, the Gambian government has initiated evacuation procedures for its citizens still in the region. The ministry has urged all Gambians in Lebanon to reach out to the foreign affairs ministry in Banjul and the honorary consulate general in Beirut, providing their passports and contact details for processing their evacuation.
Additionally, Gambians living in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the Honorary Consulate General and join a dedicated WhatsApp group for timely communication with Gambian officials. The foreign affairs ministry will continue to monitor developments in Lebanon and the wider Middle East for the safety of its citizens.
