By Omar Bah
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced on Friday that they have reached a compromise with Senegalese authorities to secure the release of 16-year-old Gambian who was arrested with his brother in Abene in September for alleged illegal fishing in Senegalese waters.
Ousman Ceesay, a student of the President’s International Awards, was reportedly handed to the Senegalese security officials by his brother when they were arrested as a guarantee for him to return with the money to pay the fine.
Ceesay has since appeared in a Ziguinchor magistrates’ court.
Yesterday, The Standard spoke to Abubacarr Kendo Ceesay, Ousman’s father, who said the family is overwhelmed with joy after receiving the news of Ousman’s planned release tomorrow.
“I cannot tell you how relieved we are today. Everybody in the family is overwhelmed with joy. It has been a very difficult time for us and we cannot wait to see our son again,” he said.
Ceesay said the government through Sainey Drammeh, the head of the President’ International Award, had promised to give him CFA 40, 000 to pay the fine at a Ziguinchor magistrate court tomorrow.
“We register our sincere appreciation to the government for their support,” he said. Ousman is expected to reunite with his family on Tuesday.
