These persons were detained because they had overstayed their authorised time in Russia while travelling on tourist visas that they had initially obtained from Qatar.
The two diplomats acted courteously by securing their countrymen's release and securing them a 15-day grace period to depart the Russian Federation.
General Tamba and Hon. Jawo demonstrated their dedication to safeguarding the well-being of their fellow citizens by extending assistance that encompassed lodging arrangements, provision of food, and even financial support for pressing necessities.
This is the second time this year that these diplomats and the Gambian Embassy in Moscow have stepped in to ensure that Gambians are freed from Russian detention centers.
Before then, they had arranged for the release of more than twenty-five Gambians whose lodgings had been raided following a terrorist incident in Moscow. Some of these people were even using Russia as a transit country to travel from Middle Eastern countries to Western Europe; they had overstayed their visas and were working without the required paperwork.
If a person stays in Russia longer than allowed, they face harsh immigration penalties that might include expulsion as well as jail time and fines. Nonetheless, General Tamba and Hon. Jawo's diplomatic skills and persistence have continuously helped in getting beyond these legal obstacles.
Their efforts have not only secured their fellow Gambians' freedom but have also given them time to either obtain legal status or arrange their departure from the nation. The aforementioned sequence of incidents underscores the need for diplomatic involvement in protecting the rights and well-being of foreign nationals, especially those who encounter difficult circumstances. It emphasises the vital role that ambassadors such as General Tamba and Hon. Jawo play in serving as a liaison between their home country and the host country, guaranteeing the security and safety of their compatriots.
