As community people and environmentalists refused police interference on Saturday to voice their concerns about government-sanctioned operations endangering the future of Sukuta-Salagi Forest, the already-existing tensions surrounding the forest took a new turn.
On Saturday, community people and environmentalists refused police interference to voice their concerns about government-sanctioned actions endangering the existence of Sukuta-Salagi Forest, adding a new dimension to the ongoing tensions around the forest.
The Police Intervention Unit (PIU), who said the group did not have the required permit to meet with banners, disrupted the protest, which was originally scheduled at Salagi Forest. The community was adamant about voicing their complaints, so they moved their meeting to Sukuta Cinema Hall to continue with their press conference.
Councillor Abdou Cham explained the PIU’s stance, saying: “The police said we needed a permit to use banners, thus they objected with our doing that. They did permit us to read our news release without banners, though.
Community Complaints
The main point of contention is the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources’ (MECCNAR) decision to give Gambia-Angola China Holding (GACH) 4.4 hectares of Sukuta-Salagi Forest for a tipper garage and a basal depot. Environmentalists and the community see this as a disrespect for justice and environmental conservation.
The Sanimentereng National Assembly Member, Fatou Cham, highlighted the community’s displeasure, saying: “The Sukuta-Salagi Forest Park’s portions being given to GACH is a clear betrayal of MECCNAR’s pledge to preserve the forest. The Sukuta Village Development Committee’s resolution from October 2024 to hold the government responsible for its duties to protect our environment is being expanded upon by this press release,” she stated.
Cham blasted the government for not keeping its promises in 2021 when NAWEC was given a piece of the forest for the OMVG project. At the time, promises were made to fence the forest and work with the community to co-manage it in order to stop additional encroachment. In addition to these promises being breached, she bemoaned the fact that more forest area is now being turned into a commercial venture.
Urge to Take Action
Calling for prompt government action, Cham emphasised the terrible implications of deforestation, which range from water shortages and residential congestion to biodiversity loss and greenhouse effects.
Over the last three decades, there has been a sharp deterioration in our environment. MECCNAR must consult with the community before distributing any forest land. Legal recognition of traditional ownership requires adherence to it. The State Lands Act of 1991, which permits ministers to abuse their authority when allocating land, should also be amended, she said.
Among the requests are:
open and honest communication with the Sukuta community prior to forest distribution.
The commercialisation of forests must end immediately.
acknowledgement of customary land ownership within the judicial system.
Modifying the State Lands Act to safeguard communal lands and stop misuse.
Determination of the Community
The demonstration, according to a neighbourhood representative, is a battle for environmental justice. “Our requests for communication with MECCNAR have been disregarded, and our forest is being illegally invaded,” he bemoaned.
The Sukuta-Salagi dispute underscores the wider clash between environmental conservation and business interests, with the government’s obligations under global climate accords at stake.
As events develop, the Sukuta community and its environmental friends are unwavering in their determination to save the forest for coming generations.
