By Makutu Manneh
Hon. Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala and a member of the National Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee, has condemned the demolition of part of a military camp fence in Foni Bullock by Senegalese soldiers, describing the incident as an attack on The Gambia’s sovereignty and a threat to national security.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kerr Fatou, Mr. Gibba said the demolition amounted to an unlawful incursion into Gambian territory and accused Senegalese forces of violating international law.
“What happened yesterday in Bullock was an issue of negligence, an issue of disrespect to our sovereignty, an issue of a security threat, and an issue of a malicious act by the Senegalese forces into Gambian land,” Mr. Gibba said.
The lawmaker said the incident reflected what he believes is a broader pattern of encroachment along The Gambia’s western border. He cited the continued presence of Senegalese forces in parts of the Foni region and alleged that cross-border movements have gone largely unchecked since 2016.
Mr. Gibba also rejected suggestions that the disputed area falls within Senegalese territory, arguing that the boundary had not been contested for more than two decades.
“For 25 years, this has never been an issue,” he said, questioning the basis for Senegal’s actions.
He further argued that the demolition undermined the military cooperation between the two neighboring countries, saying Senegal should have consulted Gambian authorities before taking any action in the area.
“If they really respect our relationship as a country, if they really respect the so-called military cooperation that they said they have with The Gambia, they would have negotiated with The Gambia before taking any action,” he said.
Mr. Gibba also criticized the Gambian government’s handling of the matter, alleging that Senegalese military positions now surround much of The Gambia’s land borders, including areas near Fajara Barracks, northern Foni and the vicinity of the State House.
He urged President Adama Barrow to intervene and address the border dispute before it escalates.
Mr. Gibba warned that the situation could have had more serious consequences if Gambian soldiers had responded militarily to the demolition, saying such a confrontation could have sparked a broader conflict between the two countries.
Neither the Government of The Gambia nor the Senegalese authorities had publicly responded to Mr. Gibba’s allegations at the time of publication.
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