Gambian Migrants in Turkish Prisons Cry Out for Government Intervention

By Sulayman Waan

Several undocumented Gambian migrants detained in Turkish prisons have appealed to the Gambian government to urgently intervene over what they describe as harsh conditions, mistreatment, and neglect in detention facilities across Turkey.

Speaking exclusively to this medium, a Gambian migrant in Turkey, who requested anonymity for security reasons, claimed that at least 75 Gambians are currently being held in two Turkish prisons identified as Idon Prison and Abaging Prison, while several others remain detained in different facilities across the country.

“The Gambians in Turkey definitely need help. Several African governments have helped their citizens in Turkey, but we Gambians are in a horrible condition,” the source alleged.

According to the migrant, many detained Gambians are suffering from illnesses, including severe leg pain and stomach-related complications, while prison conditions continue to worsen.

“Some Gambians in the Turkish prisons are sick. One of them has serious leg pain, while others are suffering from stomach aches,” he said.

The source, who said he was previously detained at Idon Prison, described the prison environment as extremely cold, alleging that inmates are denied heaters, exposing them to sicknesses and unbearable living conditions.

“I am speaking from experience because I was imprisoned in a Turkish prison. I know how Gambians are suffering there,” he stated.

He further alleged that undocumented Gambians are often subjected to abuse during arrest operations by Turkish authorities.

“I was personally beaten when I was arrested,” he claimed.

The migrants accused the Gambian government of failing to provide the same level of diplomatic support that other African governments reportedly offer their nationals in Turkey.

“The Senegalese government and other governments have helped their citizens to live freely in Turkey. Why is our government not doing the same?” the source asked.

Another migrant claimed that some Gambians in Turkey sometimes identify themselves as Senegalese to avoid harassment, alleging that Senegalese nationals are treated more favorably due to stronger diplomatic relations between Senegal and Turkey.

“Turkey has good relations with Senegal, so they allow Senegalese migrants to live more freely. But Gambians are often mistreated,” the source alleged.

The migrants also claimed that fear of arrest has made it difficult for Gambians to access healthcare and basic services.

“If a Gambian is sick, we cannot even buy medicine because we fear being arrested. Sometimes we ask our Senegalese friends to buy medicine for us,” one migrant said.

The migrants are now calling on the Gambian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, to engage Turkish authorities to improve the treatment and welfare of Gambians living in Turkey.

“Turkish nationals are enjoying opportunities in The Gambia, including businesses and operations at our seaport, but we are suffering here. Something positive must be done to ensure Gambians are respected and treated fairly in Turkey,” the source added.

The Gambia and Turkey have maintained diplomatic relations since 1965, with cooperation expanding significantly in recent years in areas such as defence, education, and development.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs were unsuccessful at the time of publication. However, sources at the ministry reportedly acknowledged awareness of the arrests involving Gambian migrants in Turkey.