Sunday Times 2
Commonwealth in dismay at Gambia exit
View(s):LONDON (AFP) -The Commonwealth expressed dismay after Gambia’s shock announcement that it had pulled out of what it called a “neo-colonial institution”.
The west African republic’s government said in a statement Wednesday that it had left the 54-country organisation “with immediate effect”, branding it “an extension of colonialism”.
The bloc’s Marlborough House headquarters in London has not received any formal notification of withdrawal.
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh speaks at the UN General Assembly (AFP)
However, the organisation is stunned at the statement.
“Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has seen with dismay and disappointment, media coverage on the reported announcement by the government of the Gambia of its withdrawal,” a spokesman said.
“We are in touch with the Gambian authorities to follow up on the media reports in order to establish the facts clearly.”He said a further statement would be issued once clarification had been received from Banjul.
The Gambia has, in recent years, availed itself of Commonwealth assistance in a wide range of fields.
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the Commonwealth, which holds its biennial summit next month in Sri Lanka.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the Gambia’s announcement.
Born out of the British empire, the Commonwealth brings together around a quarter of the world’s countries and a third of its population.
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