The Government of The Gambia has expressed deep concern over a border incident involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces at the Bulock Military Border Post in the West Coast Region, describing the action as “profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable.”
The incident was reported by the Alkamba Times on Thursday, who quoted the Foni Kansala lawmaker condemning and calling on Gambian President, Adama Barrow, to act soonest.
In a press dispatch issued on Friday by the Office of the Government Spokesperson on Friday, the government confirmed that a section of the perimeter fence surrounding a Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) military installation was demolished on Thursday, July 16, without prior consultation through the bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms that have long guided cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
“While The Gambia considers this action profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable, the Government remains fully committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue and the existing Joint Military Committee and other bilateral channels. A formal diplomatic engagement with the Government of Senegal is already underway,” government spokesperson, Ebrima G. Sankareh said in a statement.
Authorities sought to reassure Gambians, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, and residents that the country’s security situation remains calm and under control, urging the public not to panic.
The statement further commended personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces for demonstrating professionalism and restraint during the incident, noting that their conduct helped prevent any escalation.
“Throughout the incident, Personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces acted with exemplary professionalism and restraint, preventing any potential escalation.
Significantly, the Governments of The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed decades of close fraternal cooperation, friendship and shared responsibility for regional peace and stability. Only recently, both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in Defence, Security, Trade, Border Management and Economic Development. It is in that same spirit that this unfortunate incident will be addressed.
Accordingly, The Gambia Government calls on the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure, that any future concerns relating to the common border are addressed exclusively through the established bilateral mechanisms and in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both States.
The Government is confident that through mutual respect, constructive dialogue and the longstanding friendship between our two nations, this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably.
The Government further urges all Gambians to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and allow the ongoing diplomatic process to reach a peaceful conclusion.”