Yahyah Jammeh expels EU top diplomat in The Gambia. EU fumes

Yahyah Jammeh expels EU top diplomat in The Gambia. EU  fumes

The Yahyah Jammeh-led government of The Gambia, has expelled the European Union's top diplomat in the country. The Foreign Ministry disclosed this in a statement on Friday, but gave no further details.

The marching order given to Agnes Guillard, the EU’s charge d’affaires,is the latest anti-Western diplomatic move by Jammeh who constantly criticises the imperialist stance of western countries. 

Two years ago, he pulled Gambia out of the Commonwealth, stating that The Gambia would no longer belong to a “colonial” institution. He went ahead to scrapped English as one of Gambia’s official languages.

Ms Guillaud was asked to leave Gambia within 72 hours, although no reason was given. Jammeh has always accused western countries especially Britain and the United States of plotting with local dissidents to overthrow his government. Last December, the EU blocked about £8m aid to Gambia because of they perceived as "poor" human rights record, in particular anti-homosexual laws. The EU was still debating whether to withhold further aid this year.

Jammeh on Friday reiterated his anti- gay stance. "The government reminds all that homosexuality is totally against the religious, cultural and traditional values of The Gambia and would thus not be tolerated." 

Meanwhile the European Union (EU) has reacted sharply to the expulsion. It has summoned The Gambian ambassador for an explanation. 

The EU is astonished by the move, which appeared to have no justification, a spokeswoman said."There appears to be no justification for the decision by the Gambian authorities. We are astonished by this announcement which came with no explanations," a spokeswoman said.