Press Release
Re: The Gambia Government Statement on The Bulock Military Camp Border Incident
The Gambia Government expresses its deep concern over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday afternoon 16th July, 2026, at the Bulock Military Border Post, West Coast Region involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces.
The Government confirms that a section of the perimeter fence of a Gambia Armed Forces military installation was demolished without prior consultation through the established bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms that have long guided cooperation between our two sister countries.
While The Gambia considers this action profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable, the Government remains fully committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue and the existing Joint Military Committee and other bilateral channels. A formal diplomatic engagement with the Government of Senegal is already underway.
The Government wishes to reassure the Gambian public, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and residents of The Gambia, that there is no need for panic as the security situation remains calm and fully under control. Throughout the incident, Personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces acted with exemplary professionalism and restraint, preventing any potential escalation.
Significantly, the Governments of The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed decades of close fraternal cooperation, friendship and shared responsibility for regional peace and stability. Only recently, both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in Defence, Security, Trade, Border Management and Economic Development. It is in that same spirit that this unfortunate incident will be addressed.
Accordingly, The Gambia Government calls on the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that any future concerns relating to the common border are addressed exclusively through the established bilateral mechanisms and in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both States.
The Government is confident that through mutual respect, constructive dialogue and the
longstanding friendship between our two nations, this matter will be resolved swiftly andamicably. The Government further urges all Gambians to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and allow the ongoing diplomatic process to reach a peaceful conclusion.
Signed,
Ebrima G. Sankareh
Press Dispatch from the Office of The Gambia Government Spokesperson
17 July 2026
