The convergence which was held at the alkalo's compound in Gunjur, was aimed at addressing the ongoing dispute, and the need for the authorities to facilitate a resolution to the long-standing conflict between the two neighbouring communities.
Speaking at the event, Lamin Nbakau Jammeh from Gunjur Jammeh Kunda, stated that the joint press conference was convened with the aim of resolving the land dispute between Gunjur and Berending.
Jammeh revealed that Berending village was established by one Nfamara Buluwa Sanyang, who came from Jotoku village in Cassamance, the southern region of Senegal. “Buluwa arrived in The Gambia accompanied by his two sons, Sanna and Nyakassi Sanyang, along with his livestock. Initially, Buluwa settled in Kartong village but eventually left due to ongoing disputes with the local residents, who were troubled by his livestock frequently damaging their rice fields.”
Nbakau Jammeh disclosed that one Famara Jabang from Kartong had summoned Buluwa before the chief of Kombo South, Alikaliba Touray, resulting in Buluwa's eventual conviction. “Furthermore, Jammeh noted that Buluwa Sanyang, overwhelmed by the pressure from the community in Kartong, ultimately chose to relocate in search of a more suitable environment to settle with his livestock.”
According to him, Buluwa encountered a hunter named Njang Musa Bojang from Gunjur Jammeh Kunda.
He added that Njang Musa Bojang and Buluwa eventually formed a close friendship and began hunting together. “However, Buluwa had pointed out an area he believed would be ideal for him to settle with his livestock. Consequently, he sought Njang Musa Bojang’s assistance in settling on that land, which belonged to the Gunjur Darboe Kunda family.”
He highlighted that Njang Musa Bojang brought Buluwa to Darboe Kunda, where he introduced him to the family head, explaining that Buluwa was his friend and that he sought a portion of their farmland for settlement and agricultural purposes.
Nbakau Jammeh further revealed that the head of the Darboe Kunda family graciously accepted Buluwa's request and allocated him the desired land for his livestock settlement.
The land dispute between Gunjur and Berending, he went on, has led to the tragic death of Buba Jammeh from Gunjur, who was allegedly killed by Buba Drammeh from Berending in 2018.
He stated: “Both Gunjur Darboe Kunda and Jammeh Kunda have won their court battles against Berending. However, the authorities have yet to define the boundary between Gunjur and Berending.”
Dembo Darboe, the alkalo of Gunjur, called on the authorities to demarcate the boundary between Gunjur and Berending with a view to resolving the ongoing land dispute. He encouraged the residents of Gunjur, including those from Darboe Kunda, Jammeh Kunda, Jatta Kunda, and Manjang Kunda, to maintain peace, assuring them that the authorities will take action to clarify the borders between the two communities.
