The Government of the Gambia has expressed deep concern over an incident at the Bullock Military Border Post in the West Coast Region involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, July 16, 2026, when a section of the perimeter fence of a Gambia Armed Forces military installation was demolished without prior consultation through the established bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms between The Gambia and Senegal.
In a statement, the Gambian Government described the action as “profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable.”
However, the Government said it remains committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue and existing bilateral channels.
“Formal diplomatic engagement with the Government of Senegal is already underway,” the statement said.
The Government also moved to reassure Gambians, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and residents of the country that the security situation remains calm and fully under control.
It said personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces acted with “exemplary professionalism and restraint” throughout the incident, preventing any potential escalation.
The Government stressed that The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed decades of close fraternal cooperation, friendship and shared responsibility for regional peace and stability.
It noted that the two countries had recently reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in defence, security, trade, border management and economic development.
“It is in that same spirit that this unfortunate incident will be addressed,” the Government said.
The Gambian authorities called on the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and ensure that any future concerns relating to the common border are addressed exclusively through established bilateral mechanisms and in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both states.
The Government expressed confidence that, through mutual respect, constructive dialogue and the longstanding friendship between the two countries, the matter would be resolved swiftly and amicably.
It further urged all Gambians to remain calm, refrain from speculation and allow the ongoing diplomatic process to reach a peaceful conclusion.
The statement was signed by Ebrima G. Sankareh, Government Spokesperson and Presidential Diaspora Adviser.
