News Report

BANJUL, April 23rd 2002

Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps today presented their condolences to the President, H.E. Dr Alhaji Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh on the recent demise of his Father-in-law, the Late Alhaji Ebrahim Soumah.

Speaking at a ceremony (held at Statehouse) on behalf of the Diplomats, the Dean of the Corps, Sierra Leone's High Commissioner, Morrikeh Fofana said he and his colleagues deeply sympathised with the President on the loss of his Father-in-law. He also extended his and that of his colleagues' condolences to the first Lady and the rest of the first family.

Mr Fofana finally consoled the president with these words: It's Allah who gives and Takes.

In accepting the condolences, President Jammeh said the diplomats' presence is a comfort for him and the first family. He said that these are moments that no one prays for but also ones that are unavoidable.

President Jammeh finally thanked the Diplomats for showing their solidarity and said that their support during these sad moments has made a big difference. Diplomats also used the occasion to sign the condolence book opened at Statehouse.