By Tabora Bojang
Visiting Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday praised The Gambia for its support to his country in the fight against FETO, a group accused of orchestrating the July 2015 thwarted bloody coup in Turkey that claimed many lives.
Speaking at a joint news conference with his Gambian counterpart President Adama Barrow, President Erdogan warned Africa against threats of FETO, saying the sooner African leaders take strict measures against the organisation the better for them, their children and their future.
The Turkish leader acknowledged the Gambia’s commitment as a leading supporter of his country in its fight against the group by closing all schools in the country that are linked to FETO, following the failed coup attempt.
He said this was a demonstration of the country’s most determined support in their fight against the organisation “which does not hesitate to shed blood for their benefits”, adding that the group is a big threat not only to Turkey but also to all the countries where it exists.
He also pledged to strengthen bilateral, security and economic ties with the Gambia.
The Gambia is the 28th country in Africa that President Erdogan has visited over the course of his terms as prime minister and president.
