NCCRM Urges Vigilance as Fighting in Senegal’s Casamance Region Displaces Border Residents

By Makutu Manneh

The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre has urged residents, particularly those living along the country’s southern border, to strictly follow security directives and avoid nonessential travel as renewed fighting in Senegal’s Casamance region drives civilians into Gambian communities.

In a statement, the center warned that escalating clashes between the Senegalese armed forces and separatist fighters from the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance have heightened tensions along the frontier, raising concerns about security and humanitarian conditions.

The authorities also called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to security services.

According to the statement, the violence has already forced residents from several Casamance villages—including Jakine, Kamosorr, Batendeng, Ajapineh, Kayenga, and Giffanga—to flee across the border into Gambian settlements such as Tampoto, Kabocorr, and Sibanor.

Officials said the number of displaced people had not yet been determined, describing the situation as “fluid” and under close monitoring in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

The center cautioned that the unfolding displacement could create humanitarian and protection challenges, urging host communities to extend support to those arriving while remaining mindful of local security considerations.

Community leaders and local authorities were encouraged to promote calm, discourage the spread of unverified information, and coordinate closely with response agencies.

“The public is urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative in the interest of national security and community safety,” the statement said, adding that updates would be provided as the situation evolves.

NCCRM also called on community leaders and local authorities to promote calm, discourage the dissemination of unverified information, and facilitate coordination with relevant response actors where necessary.

“The NCCRM will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates as necessary. The public is urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative in the interest of national security and community safety,” he stated.