The Gambian community in Libya is reeling as the death toll from a devastating fire in Tripoli’s Arada neighborhood has risen to five, with survivors urgently appealing for government intervention to evacuate victims. The blaze, ignited by a gas cylinder explosion on May 30, 2025, in a building housing approximately 35 Gambian migrants, initially killed two people and injured 15. Three additional deaths, including that of Adama Cham, have since been confirmed, intensifying the community’s grief and desperation. The five victims confirmed dead are Adama Cham, Bubacarr Touray, Muhammed Darboe, Saidou Sowe, and Alieu Darboe.
The fire erupted when gasoline, used to combat a bedbug infestation, ignited a gas cylinder, affecting 25 Gambians. Papa Saho, a community member from Fulladu Bantangto, reported that seven victims remain in critical condition, eight are in serious condition, and six, including Lamin Solley, Kitim Jawla, and Muhammed Jaiteh, were discharged due to insufficient hospital beds.
Adama Cham’s cousin shared a heartfelt tribute: “Losing him has left a hole in our lives. Adama had a kind heart, a brave spirit, and ambition that forced him to join this deadly journey.” Cham, who supported his mother in Jaffai, Gambia, is among the five lost, with his family praying for his soul to find peace in Jannah.
Sanna Jawla, a survivor, told The Alkamba Times, “It was an unfortunate situation; five people died, three at the hospital. Seven are in critical condition, and we are communicating with the government.” Jawla noted that two representatives, including Edrissa from the Gambian Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, recently visited the victims, marking a shift from earlier reports of no official support. “They discussed our situation, took notes, and will get back to us,” Jawla said, but stressed the dire need for evacuation: “We are going through hell. The victims need urgent medical attention and repatriation due to the terrible conditions here.”
Previously, the Gambian community, led by Saho, Landing, Eliman Jassey, and Sarjo Fadera, denied claims by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that consular staff from the Gambia Liaison Office in Tripoli or the Rabat Embassy had assisted. Saho reiterated, “Until recently, no government staff came to help. It’s been us taking all the risks.” Jawla confirmed the absence of a functioning embassy in Libya since Edrissa Sarge’s recall last year, leaving the community reliant on the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Libya and local volunteers.
Survivors face inhumane conditions, with Saho describing frequent evictions and lack of medical access: “Libyans don’t treat us as human beings.” Discharged victims struggle to find accommodation, amplifying the crisis. Sarjo Ceesay from Keneba emphasized the socio-economic toll, noting that families depend on migrants’ remittances.
The Ministry reported that Libyan emergency services responded swiftly; however, the community credits IOM and volunteers with providing most of the aid. Jawla’s appeal for evacuation reflects the urgency, with victims in critical condition requiring better medical facilities unavailable in Libya. The recent visit by Gambian officials offers a glimmer of hope, but the community demands swift action to repatriate survivors and establish a permanent diplomatic presence.
As the Gambian community mourns the five lost, including Adama Cham, the tragedy underscores the precarious lives of migrants in Libya. The call for government intervention to evacuate victims, identify the deceased, and provide ongoing support grows louder, fueled by the memory of those lost and the desperate plight of survivors.
