ADVERTISEMENT

Gambia's Jammeh wants ICC to investigate migrant deaths

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has called for the International Criminal Court(ICC) to investigate the deaths of African migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean by boat to Europe.

Italian coastguard and Armed Forces of Malta personnel in protective clothing stand near the bodies of dead immigrants on the ship Bruno Gregoretti in Senglea in Valletta's Grand Harbour, April 20, 2015. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi

Nearly 2,000 migrants had died by early May, according to the International Organization for Migration, with about 800 killed in a single shipwreck in April.

Many thousands have reached southern Europe by the sea route. Gambia, with a population of only 1.9 million, is one of the leading countries of origin of the migrants.

"We have a right to call the ICC to investigate not only cases of Gambians but the case of thousands of African young people who have died on the European coast under unusual circumstances," Jammeh said.

Jammeh, who met visiting ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda at the weekend, did not say who should be investigated or for what crimes.

ADVERTISEMENT

In his comments, broadcast on state television on Monday, he criticised rescue efforts in the Mediterranean by European nations.

"If it is not done deliberately, how is it possible that each time a vessel is capsizing, there is the Italian navy to rescue only a few people," he said.

At the United Nations General Assembly last year, Jammeh called for an investigation of what he called the "manmade sinking, capsizing" of boats carrying Africans.

The ICC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Jammeh has ruled Gambia with a firm hand since he came to power in a coup some 20 years ago and stifled dissent.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a surprise move on Friday, the government ordered the European Union's top diplomat in Gambia to leave within 72 hours. [ID:nL5N0YS0BI]

No explanation was given for the expulsion of Agnès Guillaud, the EU's chargée d’affaires in Banjul. A Western diplomat working in West Africa described Guillard as "very vocal", with a reputation for standing up to Jammeh.

She left Gambia aboard a flight bound for Brussels on Monday evening.

The European Union blocked some 13 million euros ($14.6 million) in aid to Gambia in December 2014 over human rights issues, in particular anti-homosexuality laws, and is debating whether to release some 150 million euros in aid this year.

($1 = 0.890 euros)

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

8 people including professor declared wanted over killing of 17 soldiers

8 people including professor declared wanted over killing of 17 soldiers

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT