300 reported killed in Gambia revolt

Press, 5 August 1981, Page 8

300 reported killed in Gambia revolt

NZPA-Reuter Dakar. Senegal Marxist rebels holding out against pro-Government forces in Gambia have freed two Senegalese diplomats among their 30 hostages, diplomatic sources have said.

The diplomats said the two were believed to have been released after President Dawda Jawara made a radio appeal to the rebels to surrender and free their captives. Military sources said the hostages included, the President’s senior wife, his eight children, and some members of the Government. The sources said one of the freed diplomats was Seydou Nourou Ba. threatened with death after the rebels tried to seize power in the small West African State on Thursday. - Senegalese Government sources said three, days ago that Mr Ba had been freed but he was later reported to be still in the hands of the rebels. The identity of the other diplomat released was not immediately known.

An NZPA-Reuter correspondent in the Gambian capital. Banjul, reported yesterday that more than 300 people, had been killed in fighting since Thursday's at-

templed coup, according to unofficial estimates.

The correspondent said the rebels, led by a young Socialist. Kukli Samba Sanyang, were still holding out in a paramililary barracks outside the capital against Senegalese troops called in by Sir Dawda.

The Senegalese Army has said 10 of its men have been killed and 36 wounded in fighting in the tiny neighbouring State.

In a statement broadcast over Radio Gambia yesterday, Sir Dawda told the rebels their lives would be spared if they laid down their weapons and released their captives.

The President, who returned to Gambia at the week-end after the' rebels tried to seize power while he was in London for the Royal wedding, also appealed to all Gambians to return to work.

Eyewitnesses in Banjul said there had been a lot of looting during the insurrection, much of it by prisoners who had been freed and armed by the rebels. Forces loyal to Sir Dawda had started disarming civilians who were given guns by the rebels.