Malian security forces have reportedly denied entry to Gambian soccer fans, travelling by road to Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Three buses, ferrying at least 50 Gambian fans, were denied entry by the Malian border security forces. This is according to a Gambian online platform, The Alkamba Times (TAT).
According to some fans who spoke to TAT, the decision to deny them entry to Mali was an order the security forces said came from the authorities in Bamako.
“As we penned this post, all three buses are en route back to Gambia.
“One of the transport companies, Africa Star Transport, ferrying the fans, says the decision is beyond them.
Read Related News:
“They are working to resolve the issue through the representatives of both countries,” the source said.
Sources added that Mali accused some Gambians living in Mali of fighting for rebels in the North against the Malian government forces.
“One of the Malian officers told us the order to deny entry comes from the ‘ top’ and they are only acting on the orders of their bosses in Bamako,” one of the Fans on board the busses heading to Ivory Coast told TAT.
The source said the allegations against Gambians are “so weird”. (TAT)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with The NewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenith@gmail.com
