By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Gambian community in Libya has refuted claims by the Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that consular representatives visited victims of a tragic fire in Tripoli’s Arada neighborhood, which killed two Gambians and left over two dozen others injured.
In exclusive interviews with The Alkamba Times, community members expressed frustration, stating they have received no assistance from any Gambian embassy or consular office since the disaster struck Friday morning.
The fire, triggered by a gas cylinder explosion, occurred in a house occupied by Gambian migrants. According to Papa Saho, a native of Fulladu Bantangto, the blaze was sparked when gasoline, used to combat a bedbug infestation on mattresses, ignited after someone attempted to light a gas cylinder. The explosion claimed two lives instantly, left three victims in critical condition and eight in serious condition and forced the discharge of six others due to a lack of hospital beds. Twenty-five Gambians were affected in total.
“As far as we are concerned, no Gambian government staff or employee has come to see or help the victims,” Saho told The Alkamba Times. “It’s just me, Landing, Eliman Jassey, and Sarjo Fadera taking all the risks to support our brothers. We cannot abandon them in this situation.” Saho emphasized that the four are not embassy staff, are not on the government payroll, and are not receiving any commission for their efforts. He added that, to their knowledge, no Gambian government representative had visited the victims.
The Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release stating that consular representatives in Libya visited the site and assisted the victims. However, Saho and another community member, identified only as Jawla, dismissed these claims. Jawla noted that the last consular official in Libya, Edrissa Sarge, was recalled in the previous year and has not been replaced, leaving Gambians without official representation.
Saho described the dire circumstances faced by the victims, noting that the two deceased individuals remain unidentified, and access to the three in critical condition has been restricted. The six discharged victims, including Lamin Solley from Jarra Basori, Kitim Jawla from Fulladu Faraba, and Muhammed Jaiteh from Sandu, are struggling to find permanent accommodation. Community members temporarily house them and face ongoing challenges in meeting basic needs.
“The situation here is sad and deplorable,” Saho said. “The Libyans do not treat us as human beings. We face inhumane conditions, and without a Gambian embassy or consular office, we have no one to turn to.” He recounted instances of Gambians being evicted without justification and the lack of access to medical care, underscoring the community’s vulnerability. “Only God knows the sufferings we encounter here,” he added.
Jawla echoed Saho’s sentiments, urging the Gambian government to establish an embassy or consular office in Libya to address the needs of its citizens, particularly in times of crisis. He noted that Gambians rely on limited assistance from the Senegalese or Burkinabe embassies, as there is no Gambian diplomatic presence in these countries. “We are calling on the Gambian government to look into our matter and help the fire victims as quickly as possible,” Jawla said.
The fire incident has highlighted the precarious situation of Gambian migrants in Libya, who face not only dangerous living conditions but also a lack of institutional support. Community members like Saho, Landing, Jassey, and Fadera have stepped in to fill the gap, but their resources are stretched thin. The Gambian community is now appealing for urgent government intervention to provide aid, secure accommodation for the displaced, and establish a permanent diplomatic presence to advocate for their rights and welfare in Libya.
As the victims await assistance, the absence of official support continues to cast a shadow over their recovery, leaving the Gambian community in Libya to rely on their resilience and solidarity in the face of tragedy.
