Gambiaj.com – (KOLDA, Senegal) – Military officials from Senegal and The Gambia have on Friday held a crucial coordination meeting to finalize preparations for joint patrols along unspecified areas of their shared border. The meeting, which took place at the command post of Military Zone Number 6 in Kolda, Senegal, brought together top military brass from both countries, setting the stage for the launch of new operations aimed at strengthening security and tackling illegal activities in the cross-border area.

The patrols, which are part of a broader military collaboration between the two nations, will focus on ensuring the safe movement of people and goods while addressing the persistent threats that have plagued the region. Timber trafficking, drug smuggling, cattle theft, and the sale of counterfeit pharmaceuticals are just some of the illegal activities the joint patrols seek to curtail.

Colonel Théodore Adrien Sarr, Commander of Military Zone 6, underscored the significance of the operations during the meeting, highlighting their dual purpose. “These patrols are critical for both security and the protection of our environment. The natural resources in this border region must be safeguarded from exploitation,” Sarr noted.

On the Gambian side, Lieutenant-Colonel Sarjo Jarju, commander of the Basse battalion, praised the initiative, emphasizing the value of joint operations in ensuring stability. “These patrols will greatly contribute to the peace and security of our two brotherly countries. We share not only a border but also a common history, and this cooperation reflects that deep connection,” he said.

The meeting marks a significant step forward in the partnership between Senegal and The Gambia, with both sides committed to addressing cross-border challenges. The enhanced collaboration demonstrates their determination to work closely in promoting peace, security, and environmental protection in the region.

As the final logistical details are put in place, the joint patrols are expected to be operational in the coming weeks, with immediate effects anticipated in curbing illegal activities and ensuring a safer environment for the communities along the border.

August saw a three-day joint security patrol by the armed forces of the two nations, covering thirty border villages in the North Bank region of the Gambia, specifically the Kerr Ali border.