BANJUL: The government of Gambia has expelled the European Union’s top diplomat in the West African state, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Agnès Guillaud, the European Union’s chargée d’affaires in Banjul, was asked to leave Gambia within 72 hours, according to a statement read on Gambian national television. No reason was given.
President Yahya Jammeh, 50, has ruled the tiny West African nation with a firm hand since he came to power in a coup some 20 years ago. He has stifled dissent and faces increased criticism from abroad over issues ranging from human rights to claims he can cure AIDS.
The European Union blocked some 13 million euros in aid to Gambia in December 2014 because of its poor human rights record, in particular anti-homosexual laws, and was debating whether to release some 150 million euros ($186 million) in aid this year.
An EU foreign affairs spokeswoman said the European Union was summoning the Gambian ambassador on Saturday to seek an explanation.
“There appears to be no justification for the decision by the Gambian authorities. We are astonished by this announcement which came with no explanations,” the spokeswoman said.
Gambia expels European Union’s top diplomat; no reason stated
