As Gambian Intransigence Worsens, Britain Expel Gambian Diplomat, Cancel
Scholarships




The Independent (Banjul)

October 1, 2001
Posted to the web October 1, 2001

Banjul, the Gambia

A communiqué from Baroness Amos Britain's Foreign Office Minister for Africa
has ordered the deputy Gambian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom to
leave today as a retaliatory measure against the expulsion from The Gambia
of the deputy British High Commissioner Bharat Joshi in August.

In a move equal to the manner of Joshi's expulsion, Fatou AK. Njie was given
72 hours to leave the UK, by the British government who believe that their
diplomat's expulsion from The Gambia a month ago should not go unchallenged.


Mrs Njie's expulsion comes a month after Bharat Joshi was declared persona
non-grata and expelled by the Gambian authorities in protest over his
presence at a press conference organised by the opposition.

Confirming her expulsion John Perrott the British High Commissioner here
told The Independent Saturday that the British government challenge the
allegation of unwarranted behaviour against Mr. Joshi whose expulsion his
government holds is entirely unjustified and violates Article 3 of the
Vienna Convention, which provides inter alia that "the functions of a
diplomatic mission consist in ascertaining by all lawful means conditions
and developments in the receiving state, and reporting thereon to the
government of the sending state". The British argued that the Gambia
government's complaint over Joshi's presence at an opposition press
conference that was open to all was unfounded. "He has in the past attended
government and IEC press conferences" their communiqué stated, emphasizing
that attendance at press conferences is part of the normal work of
diplomats. "Following and reporting on domestic political development is a
necessary part of their job" it said.

"We have given the Gambian government every opportunity to reverse this
decision. They have failed to do so. In the current circumstances relations
cannot continue to be normal" Baroness Amos said. As a result of failed
negotiations to have Mr. Joshi recalled the British government also
announced that it has cancelled a planned ship's visit to The Gambia and
withdrawn offers of Chevening scholarships for Gambian officials to study in
the United Kingdom. The British also pointed out that the relationship
between Britain and The Gambia would be put under review, a measure, about
which High Commissioner Perrott said Britain would be open-minded.

The Gambia's intransigence over Joshi's expulsion also caused the British to
call into question this country's commitment to a fair and open democratic
process. They said Gambia's decision in respect of Joshi gives cause for
concern over the political environment in the country and "does the
government of The Gambia no good".

However, Baroness Amos the Foreign Office Minister for Africa also
emphasised that Britain would continue their support to the Independent
Electoral Commission and the over all effort to strengthen the democratic
process in The Gambia, a stance re-emphasized by High Commissioner Perrott.
"No other actions are being contemplated by my government" he said.

Mr. Perrott also assured that no other form of British intervention in The
Gambia like DFID programme would be a casualty of the diplomatic standoff,
which had also led to the prevention of a Gambian trade delegation led by
Trade and Industry Secretary Musa Sillah from visiting the United Kingdom
for a trade mission scheduled from 1 to 8 September. "By agreement with The
Gambia government there was no new programme or expansion until the middle
of next year" he said of the DFID programmes (which is designed to bolster
good governance and the assault on poverty). Other forms of cooperation like
the military and police would however be put on hold.

Responding to accusations that the British were helping to spoil The
Gambia's image, Mr. Perrott said that they are without foundation. He said
no member of the British mission in The Gambia was found going beyond the
scope of their work by unduly involving themselves in the internal affairs
of the country. On the question of long queues by Gambian visa applicants he
said that applicants come on their own accord.

The British High Commissioner also praised the effort of the Independent
Electoral Commission in ensuring that the process leading to the
presidential election is on course. "It has so far being conducted in a
peaceful and orderly way and I hope that will continue," he remarked.





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