#National News

ECOMIG, MFDC clash: Darboe calls for support to displaced Foni residents

Feb 2, 2022, 12:54 PM | Article By: Ali Jaw

Leader and Secretary general of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has called on Gambians to offer humanitarian assistance to the displaced residents forced out of their homes during the recent clash between ECOMIG troops based in Foni and the separatists MFDC rebels in Cassamance. 

 

Lawyer A.N.M. Darboe, who made this appeal at a presser held at his house, first commiserated with ‘our compatriots in the Fonis,’ who have been displaced by incursions as a result of security forces.’

‘Whether they at the command of the Senegalese or the ECOMIG, it does matter, and the rebels virtually trying to turn The Gambia into their place of theater of war resulting in the displacement of residents in the surrounding villages in that area.”

He added; “We share the stress, the inconveniences, as a result of their displacement. We understand that the Red Cross is stepping in to give the necessary humanitarian aid and assistance that is required. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to every Gambian that we should also assist out compatriots; from 1 kilo of rice to 20 bags whatever, from one cup of oil to 20 gallons of cooking oil. I appeal that we should really make, give donations through the Red Cross.

In the same vein, Darboe appealed to the governments of The Gambia and Senegal to work towards ensuring that those people get back to their homes in their communities, live there with maximum safety without having to fear for their lives while sleeping and that such doesn’t repeat itself.

The veteran politician added that this is not a political matter, neither could it be and no one is politicising this matter. 

“It is just a matter of concern, he added, which needs Gambians to speaking and that is what they (UDP) are doing.”

He therefore urged all genuine Gambians to work towards ensuring that such doesn’t happen again on the Gambian territory.