Jerreh Badjie, a member of the Village Development Committee (VDC) and mediator between the Senegalese authorities and the village community, voiced his worries about the insecurity stemming from the Senegalese authorities to halt the ongoing construction, as they claim it is their territory.
“We are concerned about how the Senegalese authorities have the power to stop the construction simply because they believe the area belongs to them. This is alarming; if they can halt the work, we fear they could take the camp from us as well, and this tension has been present for a while now,” Badjie emphasised.
Essa Badjie, VDC chairperson, expressed threats they receive from Senegalese authorities within the borderline.
“Our people are killed, tortured and manhandled by the Senegalese due to this border crisis and territorial integrity and we fear they may take our territory from us. We need a swift intervention to secure our lands and territories,” he expressed.
In response, CDS Mamat O.A. Cham reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to the security and safety of the Gambian people, stating that discussions are ongoing.
“The two governments have agreed to refer to historical records to determine the proper boundaries and to consult with elders who are knowledgeable about the border location. Rather than approaching this matter with emotion, it is important to establish a boundary commission that will accurately demarcate the borders. Following this approach, it has been advised to pause construction until the boundaries are clearly identified,” Cham expressed.
CDS Cham urged for coordination with soldiers and village elders to identify and mark the boundary pillars. This preparation he said will facilitate future engagement with Senegalese and Gambian authorities, allowing for proper identification of the locations.
CDS Cham assured that even if the boundaries are established within a 10-meter range, the camp will remain in place to protect the residents of Bullock and its surrounding areas.
He pledged to relay this message to the President and reassured village elders that construction would continue, as there are already funds allocated for the project.
He advised the elders not to worry about contributing to the project’s fencing and assured to keep in touch regarding any new development surrounding the issue.
