Both The Gambia and Senegal have issued official statements following Thursday’s controversial incident at the Bullock Military Camp in Foni, where Senegalese soldiers demolished part of the camp’s perimeter fence, triggering fresh border tensions between the two neighboring nations.
The Gambia strongly condemned the action as “profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable.” In a statement issued Friday by Government Spokesperson Ebrima G. Sankareh, Banjul expressed deep concern over the demolition carried out without prior consultation. The government stressed that the move bypassed established bilateral military and diplomatic channels that have long guided relations between the two countries.
Despite the sharp criticism, The Gambia reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution. “A formal diplomatic engagement with Senegal is already underway,” the statement noted. It praised Gambian troops for their “exemplary professionalism and restraint” in preventing escalation and urged citizens to remain calm. “The security situation remains calm and fully under control,” it added.
In its response, Senegal acknowledged the Gambian communiqué but defended its actions. The Senegalese Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad said the area in question “has, for several years, been the subject of discussions between the competent authorities of both countries.” Dakar claimed it had repeatedly drawn Banjul’s attention to alleged encroachments affecting its territorial integrity through appropriate channels.
“Despite sustained exchanges at the highest level and long-standing negotiations, these discussions have not, to date, resulted in a clear commitment aimed at durably resolving the outstanding border issues,” the Senegalese communiqué stated. Senegal insisted the incident “cannot be interpreted as reflecting any intention… to undermine the sovereignty of The Gambia or the excellent relations between the two countries.” It reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue and existing bilateral mechanisms.
The Bullock Military Camp, located in the Foni Kansala district near the Senegalese border, has existed for decades, including during the administration of former President Yahya Jammeh. The area has long been a flashpoint due to ambiguities in the colonial-era border demarcation between the two nations, which are separated by The Gambia’s narrow territory cutting through Senegal. Similar low-level disputes have occurred in the past, but this marks the first reported physical demolition of infrastructure at the site.
Gambia’s National Assembly had recently allocated public funds for fencing and maintenance of the camp.
The incident comes amid otherwise cordial bilateral ties, with both countries cooperating on security, trade, and regional integration under the ECOWAS framework.
Lawmakers like Foni Kansala representative Almamy Gibba have previously called for a permanent diplomatic solution to prevent recurring tensions.
As of Friday evening, both sides reported calm on the ground, with diplomatic channels actively engaged to de-escalate the situation.
Observers say a swift joint resolution will be critical to preserving the “brotherly” relations long cherished by the two peoples.
