Border Tensions: Hon. Almami Gibba Calls for Action as Gambia, Senegal Respond to Bullock Military Camp Incident

By CTV Africa

Banjul, The Gambia – National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Hon. Almami Gibba, has called on the Government of The Gambia to urgently address the reported demolition of part of the perimeter fence at the Bullock Military Camp, following an incident involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Hon. Gibba expressed concern over reports that Senegalese soldiers entered the military camp and demolished approximately 200 meters of its perimeter fence. According to the reports he cited, the soldiers claimed that the affected section falls within Senegalese territory, while Gambian soldiers reportedly remained at the scene without intervening.

The lawmaker questioned why territorial concerns surrounding the military installation had not been raised earlier, noting that the Bullock Military Camp has existed for many years, including during the administration of former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh.

“If there were genuine territorial concerns, why were they not raised long ago?” Hon. Gibba asked, adding that the renewed dispute raises important questions about border management and bilateral relations.

He urged the Government of President Adama Barrow to pursue a lasting diplomatic and legal resolution to recurring border disputes between The Gambia and Senegal, warning that continued disagreements over the boundary could create uncertainty and tension.

Hon. Gibba also raised concerns over reports that Gambian soldiers allegedly watched the demolition without intervening, saying the situation raises questions about military cooperation and the effectiveness of existing bilateral arrangements between the two neighbouring countries.

The legislator further noted that the National Assembly had previously approved public funds for the fencing and maintenance of the military camp, arguing that any destruction of the infrastructure amounts to a loss of taxpayers’ money.

He called on the Government to provide a full explanation to the Gambian public and outline the measures being taken to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, emphasizing that border disputes should be resolved through established diplomatic and legal mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the Government of The Gambia has confirmed that a section of the perimeter fence of a Gambia Armed Forces military installation at Bullock was demolished on 16 July 2026 without prior consultation through existing bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, the Government described the action as “profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable,” while stressing its commitment to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue, the Joint Military Committee, and other established bilateral channels.

The Government also assured the public that the security situation remains calm and under control, praising the professionalism and restraint demonstrated by members of the Gambia Armed Forces during the incident to prevent any escalation.

Authorities further emphasized the long-standing friendship between The Gambia and Senegal, noting that both countries remain committed to strengthening cooperation in defence, security, trade, border management and economic development. The Government urged all Gambians to remain calm and allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful conclusion.

In response, the Government of Senegal acknowledged The Gambia’s statement but maintained that the disputed area has been the subject of discussions between both countries for several years.

According to a statement from Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dakar has repeatedly raised concerns through diplomatic channels over what it describes as encroachments affecting its territorial integrity, including installations and activities considered incompatible with the agreed management of the common border.

Senegal said the July 16 incident should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine Gambian sovereignty or the strong relations between the two countries, but rather as part of an unresolved border issue requiring a lasting solution.

The Senegalese Government reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue, consultation, and existing bilateral diplomatic mechanisms.

At the time of publication, there has been no indication that the incident resulted in casualties or armed confrontation. Diplomatic engagements between the two governments are ongoing as efforts continue to resolve the dispute peacefully.

This remains a developing story.