The Gambian government says it has reached a significant breakthrough with neighbouring Senegal over recent border disputes that disrupted farming activities in several communities, paving the way for affected farmers to return to their fields.
The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement issued by Government Spokesperson and Presidential Diaspora Adviser Ebrima G. Sankareh on behalf of President Adama Barrow.
According to the statement, the progress follows diplomatic engagements initiated by President Barrow, including the dispatch of Foreign Affairs Minister Sering Modou Njie as the President’s Special Envoy to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The envoy’s mission focused on resolving tensions affecting peripheral farming communities located along the shared border between The Gambia and Senegal.
The government said the subsequent meeting of the two countries’ Border Commissions and the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat resulted in “fruitful deliberations” that addressed concerns impacting communities on both sides of the border.
As part of the understanding reached, Gambian farmers who had been affected by the dispute have been encouraged to resume their farming activities, with authorities stating that the situation has been resolved through dialogue while diplomatic engagements continue.
The government also urged farmers and members of the public to remain law-abiding and comply with regulations governing land use and cross-border movement.
Officials said the two Border Commissions, working alongside the Permanent Secretariat, will continue public sensitisation efforts, border consolidation, and the reaffirmation of agreed boundary arrangements.
The government pledged to keep the public informed as discussions between Banjul and Dakar continue.
The development is expected to ease tensions in border communities and allow farmers to continue the ongoing agricultural season after weeks of uncertainty over access to farmland.
