By Fatou Dahaba
Victims of the recent Old Yundum demolitions have accused the Department of Physical Planning and the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs of defying a High Court injunction and failing to provide documentation proving the area is a government-reserved zone. The allegations were made during a press conference on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the site of the demolished properties, located behind the Jah Oil petrol station, opposite Yarambamba.
The affected residents claim the demolitions, which have disrupted lives and livelihoods, were carried out without adhering to proper legal procedures. Court documents confirm that on March 16, 2023, Justice S.B. Tabally issued an interim injunction restraining the Ministry and its agents from demolishing or interfering with the properties pending the resolution of a legal dispute. The injunction was granted on March 9, 2023, in favor of the plaintiffs, yet the demolitions proceeded, according to the victims.
“Shelter is a human right, and the government’s first responsibility is to defend the citizens of this country,” said Amadou Jallow, one of the affected property owners. Jallow urged S & J Properties Company Limited, which sold the land to private individuals, to work with the government to find solutions for the victims, many of whom are grappling with depression and uncertainty.
The land dispute involves S & J Properties, which acquired and resold the land to private buyers. Following claims that the area was government-reserved, the company filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Lands at the Brikama High Court. Abdoulie Jeng, S & J Properties’ logistics manager, stated that the company obtained land approvals from the Department of Physical Planning, signed by the then Chief of Kombo North.
Jeng noted that the government was supposed to take 150 meters of the acquired land without affecting customers, but more land was taken, leading to the demolitions.
“They claimed this place is a reserve land, but a clear white paper should prove it. Our lawyer asked them to produce evidence, but they haven’t,” Jeng said.
Victims expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication. Sanna Camara, a contractor for one of the affected owners, told reporters that buyers trusted estate companies like S & J because they are registered with the government and provide official documents. “Millions of dalasi were spent here. People started building 10 years ago, and Physical Planning was aware. State authorities issued all documents, so who is fooling who?” Camara asked. He added, “The government causes the tears on our faces, and only they can wipe them.”
Malleh Touray, another property owner, said she received no notice from Physical Planning or the Ministry of Lands to vacate her property. “I’m appealing to the government to call for dialogue to resolve this. If they own the land, let’s negotiate and compensate us. Our brothers in the diaspora have lost hope in this country,” she said, recounting how her brother vowed never to return after losing his investment.
The demolitions have sparked widespread discontent, with victims calling for accountability and compensation. Camara emphasized that if S & J Properties is at fault, the government should ensure compensation for the losses. After tense discussions between the victims and S & J Properties, both parties agreed to engage the central government in dialogue to seek a resolution.
The victims’ pleas underscore a broader call for transparency, adherence to legal processes, and protection of citizens’ rights in land disputes in the Gambia. As the matter remains unresolved, the affected residents await the government’s response to their demand for justice and restitution.
