The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-The Gambia) has issued an urgent call for restraint amid escalating tensions between the neighboring communities of Gunjur and Berending in the Kombo South District of The Gambia’s West Coast Region. The organization expressed deep concern over the rising conflict, which stems from a decades-long land dispute, and urged residents—particularly the youth—to avoid actions or statements that could lead to violence.
The longstanding disagreement, dating back to the 1980s, pits the Sanyang Kunda family of Berending against the Jammeh Kunda, Darboe Kunda, and other clans of Gunjur. The dispute has periodically erupted into violence, including a fatal clash seven years ago. Tensions flared anew recently after the Ministry of Lands, Local Government, and Religious Affairs announced plans to demarcate a boundary between the two communities—a proposal originally recommended by a government task force but never implemented. In response, both sides held rival press conferences to stake their claims, further stoking the conflict.
WANEP-The Gambia emphasized that aggression is not the answer. “We believe tension and violence are never the solution,” the organization stated. “Instead, we must work together to find peaceful and constructive ways to address our differences.” The group has appealed to the government, civil society, local leaders, and international partners to support efforts to foster dialogue and secure lasting peace.
As part of its ongoing peacebuilding mission, WANEP-The Gambia has already taken steps to ease tensions. Under its Research and Action for Peace (REcAP) Project, funded by the European Union, the organization held Community Dialogue Sessions and Alternative Dispute Resolution Trainings in Berending (June 22–24, 2024) and Gunjur (July 12–14, 2024). These initiatives aimed to build trust and create platforms for constructive engagement between the communities.
Looking ahead, WANEP-The Gambia outlined a multi-pronged approach to resolve the conflict, including shuttle diplomacy with community leaders, stakeholder mapping, legal research into land ownership, in-depth consultations, and a structured dialogue and mediation process. The organization stressed its commitment to creating “a safe and respectful environment where all voices can be heard.”
WANEP also called on the Gambian government to act swiftly and transparently to implement the task force’s recommendations, particularly the proposed boundary demarcation. “We are confident that through collective effort and a commitment to non-violence, we can overcome our differences and build a brighter future for Gunjur and Berending,” the statement concluded.
The organization’s plea comes as both communities brace for potential unrest, with WANEP and its partners standing ready to facilitate a peaceful resolution to one of The Gambia’s most enduring local conflicts.
