2 Libyan Guantanamo inmates transferred to Senegal

Senegal has agreed to take in two Libyans who spent nearly 14 years in custody at the US base in Cuba without charge, becoming the second country in West Africa to accept former detainees, ABC News reported Monday.

Salem Abdu Salam Ghereby, 55, and Omar Khalif Mohammed Abu Baker Mahjour, who records show is about 44, were both members of the Libya Islamic Fighting Group, an organization that sought the ouster of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and had been designated a terrorist organization by the US since 2004.

Their departure comes amid an effort by US President Barack Obama to release Guantanamo prisoners who are no longer deemed a threat and to eventually close the detention center, a prospect that faces strong opposition in US Congress. 

With the release of the two Libyans, there are 89 men left, including 35 cleared for release who are expected to be gone within months.

US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed thanks that Senegal agreed to take the men.

"The United States appreciates the generous assistance of the government of Senegal as the United States continues its efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility," Kerry said. "This significant humanitarian gesture is consistent with Senegal's leadership on the global stage."

Source: MENA