The Gambia Government has expressed serious concern over an incident involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces at the Bulock Military Border Post in the West Coast Region.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 17, the government confirmed that part of the perimeter fence surrounding a Gambia Armed Forces installation was demolished on Thursday afternoon without prior consultation with Gambian authorities.
The government described the action as “profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable,” saying established bilateral military and diplomatic channels should have been followed before any action was taken.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, the government said it remains committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue. Discussions with the Senegalese government are already underway, while the Joint Military Committee and other bilateral mechanisms are expected to play a role in addressing the dispute.
The government reassured Gambians, residents and members of the diplomatic community that the security situation remains calm and under control. It commended personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces for demonstrating professionalism and restraint during the incident, which helped prevent a possible escalation.
“The Gambia and Senegal have a long history of friendship and cooperation in defence, security, trade, border management and economic development,” the statement said.
It added that the leaders of both countries recently reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional peace and stability.
The Gambia Government appealed to the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and to deal solely through existing diplomatic and military mechanisms with any future border-related concerns. It also stressed the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two countries.
The government stated that it was “confident that the dispute will be resolved quickly and peacefully by means of mutual respect and constructive dialogue”.
Gambians were urged to remain calm, avoid speculation and allow the ongoing diplomatic process to reach a peaceful conclusion.
The statement was signed by Government Spokesperson and Presidential Diaspora Adviser Ebrima G. Sankareh.
