For more than 120 days, an extraordinary scene has unfolded in the heart of London's Tavistock Square. Forty-six individuals from the little-known Gambia Luna tribe have made the public green their temporary home, creating a makeshift camp that has become both their sanctuary and prison.
A Tribe Uprooted
The Gambia Luna people, who number fewer than 7,000 worldwide according to tribal representatives, found themselves displaced from their ancestral lands in Gambia. After a perilous journey spanning thousands of miles, they arrived in the UK seeking refuge, only to find themselves in bureaucratic limbo.
"We have nowhere to go," explains tribal spokesman Lamin Sise, through an interpreter. "Our homes were destroyed, our way of life threatened. We came here believing Britain would understand our unique situation."
Life in Limbo
The tribe's daily routine in the park has become a study in survival:
- Sleeping under makeshift shelters despite Britain's unpredictable weather
- Relying on charitable donations for food and basic necessities
- Maintaining tribal customs and community bonds despite their circumstances
- Facing increasing hostility from some local residents
Local authorities have expressed concern about the situation. A Camden Council spokesperson stated: "We're working with relevant agencies to find a humane solution, but our hands are tied by immigration laws."
The Home Office Response
The UK Home Office has confirmed that the tribe's asylum applications are being processed, but emphasised that "each case must be considered on its individual merits under existing immigration rules." This has left the tribe in a state of anxious uncertainty.
Human rights organisations have taken up the tribe's cause, arguing that their unique cultural status warrants special consideration. "This isn't just another immigration case," says Amelia Carter from Refugee Rights UK. "We're dealing with the potential extinction of a distinct cultural group."
As winter approaches, the tribe's situation grows increasingly desperate. Their continued presence in Tavistock Square serves as a visible reminder of the complex challenges facing Britain's immigration system and the very human stories behind the headlines.
