By Buba Gagigo
Allegations have emerged against German police for allegedly employing extreme measures to silence a Gambian deportee, preventing him from questioning the circumstances of his deportation.
Saikou Kanuteh, a Gambian migrant, reportedly faced severe treatment at the hands of German authorities, who are accused of inserting an iron wire into his mouth following his detention and subsequent deportation. Medical professionals at EFSTH hospital in Banjul removed the wire.
“The brutality and inhuman treatment of German police against a Gambian Migrant, Saikou Kanuteh. Kanuteh was detained by the police after honoring their invitation and eventually deported. The police forcefully inserted an iron wire in Kanuteh’s mouth to prevent him from asking them why they were sending him back to the Gambia. The iron wire was removed by doctors at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, (EFSTH) in Banjul on Thursday,” one of the Kanuteh’s guardians told Kerr Fatou.
According to Migration Activist Yahya Sonko, In 2023, Gambians residing in EU states, particularly Germany, faced a tumultuous period as the government of The Gambia struck an agreement with the European Union to repatriate over 600 Gambians. Mr Sonko said The agreement, ostensibly aimed at facilitating the reintegration of deportees, has since proven to be fraught with challenges, leaving many individuals in dire straits upon their return to The Gambia.
Sonko also disclosed that in 2024, The Gambia is anticipated to receive more deportees than the previous year. Recent chartered deportation flights arriving at Banjul International Airport on February 28th and March 14th transported 35 Gambian deportees, primarily from Germany.
“Again this year 2024, I can confirm that the Barrow Government will receive more deportees than last year. Already, a deportation flight landed in the Gambia on 28.02.2024, and on 14.03.2024 another chartered deportation flight arrived at Banjul International Airport with 35 Gambian deportees, mainly from Germany.
“The repercussions of this failure are acutely felt among the youth population, with many facing limited prospects for employment and succumbing to the allure of illicit activities, notably the trade in hard drugs. The resultant surge in drug-related activities not only perpetuates social instability but also poses significant public health concerns for the nation,” Yahya told Kerr Fatou.
Calling for accountability and transparency, Sonko urged both domestic and international stakeholders involved in the reintegration process to address the systemic challenges and ensure the well-being of deportees.