In an interview that took place yesterday with AG Radio, Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh shares his worries regarding the inadequately negotiated agreement with Saudi Arabia and Spain related to Gambian migrants participating in the circular migration agreement. This agreement lacks clarity, resulting in numerous unanswered questions. The government should offer clear information regarding the yearly count of migrant workers. What are the monthly salaries for them? What is the duration of their stay in Spain? What is the duration of this program? The government needs to initiate negotiations that focus on the interests of our citizens promptly. Instead of sending the Gambian workforce to Spain, it would have been more advantageous to negotiate for the relocation of these factories to The Gambia. That would have been beneficial for Gambians and helped tackle the high unemployment rate. The government must reevaluate the circular migration agreement with Saudi Arabia, as a monthly salary of $200 is not only inadequate but also diminishes our dignity.
Mr. Ben Suwareh has indicated that Sira Touray, the spouse of Mbemba Drammeh, has been granted bail after enquiries concerning her husband’s passport, which he purportedly acquired on January 20, 2025. The state shows little interest in Mbemba Drammeh, as their main objective was to engage with him to secure his allegiance to President Barrow and the NPP. When all these attempts failed, they had to inform Mbemba to escape under the guise that he had fled, ensuring that this case could be buried. After learning that Mbemba persists in disclosing information while in France, the state subsequently focusses on his wife, seeking to coerce Mbemba into remaining silent. Nevertheless, Mbemba opted to speak out.
The case of Mbemba Drammeh, who disclosed that he and six others colluded to manipulate the 2021 elections in favour of the NPP, echoes the situation involving Banta Kieta. Banta, who was implicated in a case involving 2 tonnes of cocaine in The Gambia, is now living freely in Senegal. The state is fully aware of his residence; however, they will choose not to pursue Banta, as such action could jeopardise their own standing should Banta decide to reveal information. In the same vein, they will not seek out Mbemba. If the state had a genuine interest in Mbemba, the state could have sought his extradition to The Gambia; however, the state understands that such a move would also implicate the government itself.
