In a nutshell, it is about creating an enabling environment for dialogue and discussion of problems and tensions, without fear of violence to find lasting solutions to problems.
It was in the news that the residents of Foni through their five National Assembly Members (NAMs) have called for the intervention of the government in addressing what they described as the continuous “intimidation and harassments” of their people at the hands of the Senegalese forces at Bwiam and in Cassamance.
It is true that in the recent past, there have been disturbing news emanating from the Fonis, and most of the time between the residents of the area and the Senegalese forces serving under ECOMIG based at Bwiam and Kanilai.
In a country like Afghanistan suffering from three decades of war, peace is a precious commodity. Unfortunately, in Afghanistan where an entire generation has been pushed into the unending cycle of violence, conflict and political plus economic instability, whatever peace remains is fragile.
However, the shooting to death of one Yankuba Badjie of Jifanga village in the Southern Senegalese province of Cassamance, goes to show the delicateness and severity of the matter.
Most communities in Foni are so close to the border that one easily gets confused in navigating the borderline between The Gambia and Senegal. This is due to proximity and absence of clearly written materials or sign posts.
For instance, one can be patrolling the area thinking that area is part of Gambia only to bump into a village in Senegal. Also, residents who most embark on fetching firewood normally get lost and find themselves in Cassamance just like what happened in the aforementioned case involving Yankuba Badjie.
This, among other issues, is posing a nightmare for thousands of residents in Foni, who mostly depend on farming or other livelihood activities in the outskirts of their villages.
Government should engage the government of Senegal and forces along the area to always pursue non-violence when addressing issues.
Nothing is more pleasing even on a war front, when you speak to one in his or her native language, despite being in the opposing force or same unit.
However, scholars have agreed that real change in this world comes from dialogue. Therefore, the two governments should commit themselves to working to help create and foster that dialogue to nurture peace and non violence in the area. It is true that in the past some residents of Foni were arrested and detained in Kanilai and some even referred to Senegal.
Also, it is high time for the government to introduce legible sign posts along that part of the border to make it easy for people to navigate their way out if they get lost.
People should remember that the current problem some residents of Foni are going through is not only a Foni-problem; this is a national issue and should be treated as such.
Government should act now before it is too late!