The Government of Senegal has responded to The Gambia’s statement on the July 16, 2026, incident in the Bulock border area, saying the confrontation should be understood within the context of a long-running territorial dispute between the two countries.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Senegal reaffirmed its commitment to the historic ties of friendship, good neighbourliness and strategic cooperation between Dakar and Banjul.
The Senegalese government described the relationship between the two countries as a valuable asset that both administrations have a responsibility to protect and strengthen.
However, Senegal said the Bulock area has been the subject of discussions between the relevant authorities of both countries for several years.
According to the statement, Senegal has repeatedly raised concerns with The Gambia through diplomatic and official channels over what it described as encroachments on Senegalese territory.
The government said certain installations and activities in the disputed area were considered inconsistent with the coordinated and respectful management of the shared border.
Senegal further claimed that, despite continued discussions at the highest levels and years of negotiations, the two countries have not yet reached a clear and lasting agreement on the outstanding border issues.
“It is in this context that the incident of July 16, 2026, must be understood,” the statement said.
The Senegalese government insisted that the incident should not be interpreted as an attempt to violate The Gambia’s sovereignty or damage the close relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
Instead, Dakar said the incident highlights the urgent need for both governments to find a swift and permanent solution to the border dispute.
Senegal maintained that it remains fully committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue, consultation and the existing bilateral mechanisms between the two countries.
The statement added that Senegal would continue to pursue a settlement through appropriate diplomatic channels and called for the outstanding border questions to be addressed in a manner that preserves peace, cooperation and stability between the two nations.
