Tension is rising along the Gambia-Senegal border after Senegalese soldiers reportedly entered the historic Bullock Military Camp in Foni and began demolishing a significant portion of its perimeter fence, claiming the land belongs to Senegal.
According to eyewitness accounts, the Senegalese forces have already torn down approximately 200 meters of the fence while Gambian soldiers stationed at the camp looked on without intervening. The incident has sparked outrage among Gambians, who question the timing and legality of the action against a facility that has operated for decades.
Foni Kansala lawmaker Honorable Almamy Gibba strongly condemned the development, describing it as a direct challenge to Gambian sovereignty.
“Senegalese forces have entered Bullock Military Camp and are demolishing our fence, claiming the area is theirs,” Gibba stated. “This military camp has existed for many years. If there were territorial concerns, why were they not raised years ago? Why is this happening now under the current administration?”
Gibba called on President Adama Barrow, as Commander-in-Chief, to act swiftly. “The Government of The Gambia must urgently pursue a lasting diplomatic and legal solution to these recurring border disputes,” he said.
“Claims and counterclaims over our territorial boundaries continue to create uncertainty and tension. Gambian soldiers are left to watch helplessly as a military installation they have occupied for years is being dismantled. This raises serious questions about our military cooperation and bilateral relationship with Senegal.”
The lawmaker also highlighted the financial implications for Gambian taxpayers. “Public funds approved by the National Assembly for the fencing and maintenance of this camp have now been reduced to nothing,” Gibba added. “Our national security and the resources contributed by Gambian taxpayers must never be taken for granted. The Government owes the people a clear explanation and concrete steps to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.”
The Bullock Military Camp incident has revived long-standing concerns over ambiguous border demarcations between the two nations. Many citizens are asking why such aggressive actions are occurring now, despite years of peaceful co-existence at the site.
This is a developing story. The Gambian government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
