Another consignment of 100 bags of 50kg rice produced by farmers at Sapu in Central River Region, was yesterday donated to the refugees from the southern Senegalese troubled region of Casamance, who are currently seeking refuge, along the border villages in the Fonis, Western Region.

Taiwan ’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Dr Patrick Chang, also handed over crates of vegetables. This humanitarian assistance is valued at D70,000.

Ambassador Chang, who made the presentation through Ansumana Jammeh, Executive Director of the Jammeh Foundation for Peace, for onward distribution, said the 14th consignment of rice pushed the total number of bags to 1,581.

About 5,300 Senegalese refugees are currently in the country, in the wake of fierce factional rift in the MFDC rebel group, compelling some civilians to flee for safety.

Presenting the rice and   vegetables, at a ceremony held at Ndenban village in Western Region yesterday, Ambassador Chang expressed his embassy’s delight, expressing hope that peace will be restored in the troubled region, to allow the return and resettlement of   the refugees.

Dr Chang then commended farmers at Sapu rice fields for producing the rice and then used the opportunity to encourage the refugees to engage in   food production activities in the country. He also thanked the Jammeh Foundation for Peace and the Gambia Red Cross Society for their partnership in the distribution of the goods.

Receiving the consignment, JFP’s Executive Director Jammeh conveyed the appreciation of the refugees for the 13th consignment, saying that it came at a time when people were about to observe the Koriteh feast.

Mr Jammeh also thanked Taiwan for the assistance, saying that the last shipment of goods, which included wheelchairs, has been distributed to various health facilities.

He then described the continuous intervention of the Taiwan Embassy as timely, adding that it will go along way towards improving the condition of refugees, as well as reducing the burden on their hosts.

Lamin Fatty, representative of the Gambia Red Cross Society, expressed similar sentiment.