The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia hereby informs the public of the decision of the Government of The Gambia to recall H.E Ambassador Sheikh Tijan Hydara and the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Vincent Mendy from their respective positions at the Gambia Embassy in Havana, Cuba. These recalls take effect immediately.

The two diplomats have been involved in an unfortunate incident at their duty station in Cuba, and initial findings and available evidence confirmed that their actions are inconsistent with diplomatic norms causing both diplomats to lose every right and standing to continue to represent The Gambia in Cuba as diplomats. It is always the case that, when a diplomat involves him/herself in certain acts, behaviour or breach of the diplomatic code of conduct, the sending State’s first natural course of action is taking corrective action.

Furthermore, the Government, in an effort to comprehensively understand the incident and implement measures to prevent future occurrence, has dispatched a fact-finding mission to Havana to study not only the incident, but the entire operations of the Embassy as well as engage the authorities in Cuba. Further information will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The Ministry wishes to reassure the public of its commitment to ensuring that diplomats representing the country abroad conform to proper diplomatic behaviour, norms and practices. The Government is resolute in its commitment to address any behaviour and or act that is unbecoming of a diplomat or representative from any of its diplomatic agents or representatives abroad.