A simmering border dispute between The Gambia and Senegal has erupted into controversy after Gambian Minister of Local Government and Lands, Hon. Hamat Bah, told the National Assembly that the land surrounding the Bulock military barracks fence belongs to Senegal.
The Minister’s remarks, reported by The Standard newspaper and other outlets, have been met with fierce rejection from the people of Bulock, who insist the land is Gambian territory marked by colonial-era boundary pillars that have stood for generations.
According to The Standard, Bah further stressed that both President Adama Barrow and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye are committed to resolving the matter peacefully. He commended opposition leader Ousainu Darboe for supporting government efforts, calling it a sign of political maturity.
The Minister’s comments followed the July 2026 demolition of 200 meters of the Bulock barracks fence by Senegalese forces, who claimed the structure encroached on Senegalese land.
Community Response
The people of Bulock, led by Sarjo Jarju, Chairman of the Bulock Youth Development Association, have strongly rejected Bah’s claim.
Jarju stated: “This land is Gambian territory, and the people of Bulock have lived, farmed and depended on this land for generations. Declaring it belongs to another country without evidence is unacceptable.”
Residents argue their case is based not on sentiment but on physical evidence saying that colonial boundary pillars that have marked the frontier for decades adding that a newly constructed pillar near Kafuta Forest, which they say differs visibly from the older colonial markers and raises questions about its legitimacy.
The community insists that modern coordinates cannot override historical evidence. They demand transparency on how the conclusion was reached, consultation with affected communities, and an independent review of colonial records.
Human Impact
For Bulock, the dispute is not abstract. The contested land sustains but for homes and farms, cashew and orange orchards, grazing areas for livestock, Income for school fees and hospital bills
“Our land is our livelihood. Our boundary is our history. And our history cannot simply be rewritten by a statement in the National Assembly,” Jarju said.
Regional Significance
The dispute underscores broader challenges across Africa, where colonial-era boundaries often split communities with shared cultural and economic ties. It raises critical questions about:
Bulock leaders stress they respect Senegal and seek no conflict, but vow to defend their land through lawful and peaceful means.
