Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Videos and photographs circulating widely on social media showing the demolition of part of the perimeter fence at Bullock Military Camp have triggered concern among Gambians, with Foni Kansala National Assembly Member Almameh Gibba urging the government to urgently clarify the situation and pursue a diplomatic resolution with neighboring Senegal.
According to Hon. Gibba, reports from the area indicate that Senegalese soldiers entered the vicinity of the military camp and began demolishing a section of its perimeter fence, reportedly claiming that the affected land falls within Senegalese territory.
The lawmaker said approximately 200 metres of the fence had allegedly been brought down. He further claimed that Gambian soldiers present at the scene did not intervene during the incident.
The Government of The Gambia had not issued an official statement at the time of publication.
Viral Footage Fuels Public Reaction.
Images and video clips showing the demolition quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread debate and expressions of concern from many Gambians.
Several commentators described the incident as troubling, with some viewing it as a challenge to The Gambia’s territorial integrity.
Others questioned why Gambian troops reportedly remained passive while the fence was being dismantled, arguing that the incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the long-standing security cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal.
MP Questions Timing of Territorial Claim
Hon. Gibba said the Bullock Military Camp has existed for many years, including during the administration of former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, without any publicly known dispute over its location.
“If there were territorial concerns regarding the camp, many are asking why such claims were not raised by the Senegalese authorities years ago. Why has this issue emerged now?” the Foni Kansala legislator said.
He called on President Adama Barrow, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to seek a lasting diplomatic and legal solution to recurring border disputes between the two neighboring countries.
According to the MP, territorial disagreements should be addressed through established bilateral and legal mechanisms rather than actions capable of escalating tensions.
Questions Over Military Cooperation and Public Investment
Hon. Gibba also questioned the practical value of the existing military cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal if reports that Gambian soldiers merely observed the demolition prove accurate.
“It is deeply concerning that Gambian soldiers are reportedly left only to observe while a military installation they have occupied for years is being demolished,” he said, adding that the situation raises important questions about the two countries’ long-standing military relationship.
The MP further noted that public funds approved by the National Assembly had previously been used to fence and maintain the military installation. If the reported demolition is confirmed, he argued, taxpayers would have suffered the loss of valuable public infrastructure.
He urged the government to provide the public with a clear explanation of what transpired and outline the steps being taken to protect the country’s borders and national assets.
“Our national security and the resources contributed by Gambian taxpayers must never be taken for granted,” Hon. Gibba said. “The Government owes the people a clear explanation of the situation and the steps being taken to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.”
As of publication, neither the government of The Gambia nor the Senegalese authorities had publicly commented on the incident. The circumstances surrounding the reported border claim and demolition therefore remain unconfirmed pending official clarification.
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