He was a soldier with the Gambia Armed Forces. But when Ebrima Jallow noticed that his monthly salary would never bring significant changes in his life, he packed some of his belongings and left for Europe through the ‘back way’.
The back-way was until recently a choice for the unemployed young people. But the trend has changed and scores of employed and fairly prosperous young Gambians are risking the deadly journey for uncertain fortunes in Europe.
Many have died on the way, at sea and in the dessert. But Ebrima was lucky to be among the fewer thousands who have reached the shores of Italy last year alive.
“Ebrima was an active member of the Gambian military and has served his country to the best he could. He even went for peace keeping missions around Africa,” a source told us.
The run-away soldier, who now lives in a refugee camp in the island of Sardinia, has a new career. He is a marathon runner and according to our source, Ebrima has already started capturing the attention Italian sports enthusiasts.
He came out 10th in his first marathon race, which was 21km. The former soldier has also been doing well on the tracks.
“I am going for my next event on the 2nd July and it is very important to me. I want to gain recognition in Italian athletics,” said Ebrima.