Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Government of The Gambia has described the demolition of part of the perimeter fence at the Bulock Military Border Post by members of the Senegalese Armed Forces as “profoundly provocative” and “totally unacceptable,” while insisting that the dispute will be resolved through diplomacy rather than confrontation.
In a statement issued Friday and signed by Government Spokesperson Ebrima G. Sankareh, the government expressed “deep concern” over the incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, 16 July 2026, at the Bulock Military Border Post in the West Coast Region.
According to the statement, a section of the perimeter fence surrounding a Gambia Armed Forces military installation was demolished without prior consultation through the bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms that have traditionally governed relations between the two neighboring countries.
Government Condemns Action, Opens Diplomatic Engagement
While strongly condemning the demolition, the government said it remains committed to resolving the matter peacefully through existing bilateral structures.
“The Gambia considers this action profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable,” the statement said, adding that a formal diplomatic engagement with the government of Senegal is already underway.
The government said the issue would be addressed through the Joint Military Committee and other established bilateral channels that have long served as mechanisms for managing cross-border issues between the two countries.
Public Urged to Remain Calm
Amid growing public concern following reports of the incident, the government sought to reassure citizens, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, and residents that there is no immediate security threat.
It said the security situation remains calm and fully under control, praising members of the Gambia Armed Forces for acting with “exemplary professionalism and restraint” throughout the incident, preventing any escalation.
The government also appealed to Gambians to avoid speculation and allow diplomatic efforts to take their course.
Relations with Senegal
The statement emphasized that The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed decades of close cooperation, describing the two countries as sister nations with a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
It noted that only recently, presidents of both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, security, trade, border management, and economic development.
The government said it intends to address the Bulock incident within that same framework of cooperation and dialogue.
Call for Respect of Bilateral Mechanisms
The Gambian government called on the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and ensure that any future concerns relating to the common border are handled exclusively through the established bilateral mechanisms.
It also stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both states.
Despite its strong condemnation of the demolition, the government expressed confidence that the dispute would be resolved swiftly and amicably through mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and the longstanding friendship between The Gambia and Senegal.
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