Gambia Expels UNICEF Chief

UNICEF Describes Gambia’s Move As “ Regrettable and Unfortunate.”

“ All we know is that the Government has declared that Ms. Kang is no longer welcome in the country. But we don’t know exactly for what reason and we are actually trying to find that reason right now. I am sure as soon as we know something, I would get to the press,” said Ms. Sally Singhateh, UNICEF Communication officer.

By Pa Nderry M’Bai, Raleigh, NC

Authorities in The Gambia have declared the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) representative unwelcomed in the tiny West African country, the Freedom Newspaper can authoritatively report. Ms. Min Whee Kang has been declared persona non grata by the administration of President Yahya Jammeh and has since left the country.  She was compelled to leave The Gambia within 24 hours or risked being “forcefully” thrown out of the country Friday, official sources here said. No reason was advanced for the Government’s move to declare the UNICEF Chief unwelcomed—in the former British colony,  The Gambia.

Ms. Kang’s troubles with the Jammeh Government came to light this past weekend, when she was served with a terse letter—ordering her to leave the country with immediate effect. She complied and UNICEF officials here in Banjul have confirmed about her sudden departure from the impoverished West African country.

Sally Singhateh is the Communication officer at the UNICEF office in The Gambia. Ms. Singhatey, in  an interview with the Freedom Newspaper said no reason was given for Ms. Kang’s expulsion from the country.

“ All we know is that the Government has declared that Ms. Kang is no longer welcome in the country. But we don’t know exactly for what reason and we are actually trying to find that reason right now. I am sure as soon as we know something, I would get to the press,” said Ms. Singhateh who is apparently shocked by Kang’s removal from the country.

While describing the expulsion of  her boss from The Gambia as “regrettable” and unfortunate, Ms. Singhateh said they will continue with their program action plan for The Gambia—notably the promotion of the plight of Gambian children.

“ It is a very unfortunate situation obviously, but it wouldn’t interfere with the work that we are doing whatsoever. Our country program is in place. We would do whatever we can to the best interest of The Gambian children. Business would be as usual,” she tells the Freedom Newspaper.

The UNICEF Communication officer said The Gambian Government expelled Madam Kang without advancing any reasons for the move. She said they are trying to find out what might have triggered the Government’s move.

When asked about the whereabouts of the expelled UNICEF chief Ms. Singhatey said “ I can’t say as of now. All I  know  is that she left The Gambia. All I know is that she left The Gambia, but I don’t know where her next destination would be.”

Further asked as to how cordial Ms. Kang’s relationship with The Gambian Government during her stay in the country was, the UNICEF Communication officer said Kang has a good relationship with the Government.

“ As cordial as it could be.  Like every other representative, she worked with the Government.  They had a good working relationship. We had a lot of progress because of that.  I cannot say that the relationship was bad or anything like that,” she said.

Earlier on the Freedom Newspaper contacted Ms. Gina Dafalia, UNICEF’S international media officer based in the United Kingdom, but she referred us to her colleague Sally Singhateh. Dafialia said they learnt about Ms. Kang being declared unwelcomed in The Gambia, but advised that we contact Sally Singhatey, who she said was the right person to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, authorities in The Gambia are not keen at commenting on the UNICEF representative’s expulsion from the country. A highly placed source who wished not be named for fear of reprisal from the Government said the decision to declare Ms. Kang unwelcomed in the country emanates from the President Yahya Jammeh.

Mr. Jammeh who claimed that he has found cure for HIV/AIDS last year expelled the UNDP representative from The Gambia, following her dissenting views on the President’s controversial claim for aids cure.

The Gambia is becoming a no go area for UN workers, who do not agree with the President’s aids cure claims. Mr. Jammeh has been widely criticized by aids activists for giving false hope to aids sufferers on the continent. Africa has been hard hit by HIV/AIDS--with millions dying as a result of aids. The Scientific Community are yet to find a cure for the dreadful epidemic, even though Jammeh of The Gambia said he has found cure for the disease.