Gambiaj.com – (SENOBA, Senegal) – On Thursday, around 4 p.m., a violent confrontation erupted at the southern border between Senegal and the Gambia. The clash involved young villagers from Gouta Demba Diop in Tankon (Bounkiling) and armed Senegalese forestry agents, resulting in serious injuries to two youths. One of the injured was swiftly transported to Farafenni General Hospital in The Gambia for urgent medical care.

The conflict arose when the youths were found felling rosewood trees in a border strip extending from Senoba to Ndorna, 15 kilometers from their village. The Senegalese forestry Green Berets, committed to protecting the forest, opposed the illegal exploitation of these valuable natural resources.

According to an anonymous source, the injuries were caused by gunfire from Senegalese forestry agents. One youth, struck in the stomach, is currently in intensive care at Farafenni General Hospital. The other, injured in the lower abdomen, is receiving treatment at the Senoba border health post.

In response to the violence, Senegalese officials increased their security presence in the area on Friday, deploying additional forestry agents, gendarmerie, and army troops. While tensions remained high, the bolstered security forces managed to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.

Senegalese authorities have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the illegal logging activities along the cross-border strip with The Gambia.