By Makutu Manneh
Bakary K. Badjie, National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang Karanai, has called on President Adama Barrow to engage in dialogue with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to address the ongoing conflict between Casamance rebels and Senegalese forces, which has forced residents in Foni border communities to flee their homes.
Speaking on Politic Kachaa with Ebrima Jarra on Kerr Fatou, Badjie emphasized that discussions between the two leaders are critical to resolving the crisis, which poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of Gambian citizens in the area.
“We are a sovereign state, and our rights should be respected. We have the right to live in peace and harmony. Why should we have to flee from a conflict that has nothing to do with our country? This is very sad. The government must take a clear stand,” he said.
Badjie attributed the escalation of hostilities to Senegalese soldiers stationed in Bwiam, claiming that an incident involving the pursuit of timber traders into a rebel-held zone triggered the violence. He urged the removal of the Bwiam checkpoint, stressing that ECOWAS troops were deployed for peacekeeping, not law enforcement.
“We have Nigerian and Ghanaian troops here as well, but you never hear of them arresting people over timber or charcoal. The only ones doing this are the Senegalese soldiers,” he added.
The lawmaker further suggested replacing Senegalese forces with Nigerian or Ghanaian troops in Foni, citing Senegal’s prolonged conflict with Casamance rebels as a potential security risk.
“If people vote for you and you can’t protect them, they cannot be loyal to you. Loyalty comes with a cost,” Badjie concluded.
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