Artist Momodou L. Jarju, widely known by his professional moniker 'Rongo', has formally issued a warning letter to Alkalo Momodou Lungs Jarju, dated July 8, 2026. This significant legal step addresses alleged trespassing on a substantial tract of disputed land situated within and surrounding the community of Banjulunding. The artist's action notes a long-standing and complex land dispute that has been a source of contention for several years, involving claims of ownership and proper land use within the area. This formal warning follows prior confrontations and disagreements between the involved parties concerning the utilization and ownership claims pertaining to the contested property.
To ensure the gravity and legal implications of the warning were fully understood and acknowledged by relevant authorities, copies of the letter were widely distributed. Key officials and representatives who received the document included the Judicial Secretary, providing insight to the judiciary; Artist Jarju's own legal representatives, led by the prominent Lawyer Borry S. Touray, ensuring his legal team was fully informed; the Commissioner of Police for the West Coast Region, to alert law enforcement to potential issues; and representatives involved with local youth development projects, given the involvement of youth in portions of the land. This extensive distribution was a deliberate effort to formalize the warning, bring the matter to the immediate attention of all pertinent authorities, and show the legal seriousness of the artist's claims and his resolved position on the matter within the community.
Ancestral Claims and Court Battle
Artist Momodou L. Jarju, known professionally as 'Rongo', asserts his ownership of the disputed land through established customary rights, maintaining that the property has been rightfully passed down through generations by his ancestors. He steadfastly maintains that his family holds a foundational position in the history of Banjulunding, being among the original founders of the settlement. Consequently, he claims they are the customary owners of extensive ancestral lands that encompass a significant portion of the area in question. To substantiate these deeply rooted claims, Rongo's family possesses and references historical records, including colonial maps that date back to November 2, 1870, providing tangible evidence to support their long-standing claim of ownership. Rongo has explicitly stated that members of the Jarju, Colley, Badjie, and Jambang families, alongside other indigenous groups, were instrumental in the establishment and early development of the Banjulunding settlement, reinforcing the historical context of his family's claims.
In a significant move to protect what he views as his rightful inheritance, Rongo initiated legal proceedings by filing a principal case before the High Court. This full lawsuit names Bakary Bojang, also known as Babai, along with 16 other defendants, a group that notably includes three village Alkalolu, reflecting the widespread nature of the dispute. The High Court case was officially filed on July 28, 2022, and has since remained an active matter before the courts, progressing through the legal system for approximately four years. A central allegation made by Rongo in these proceedings is that fraudulent land documents were prepared and utilized over various parts of the disputed property. He has not only raised these concerns within the court but has also taken the additional step of reporting some of these alleged fraudulent document matters directly to the police for further investigation, indicating the seriousness with which he views these claims.
Throughout this ongoing legal battle, Rongo has consistently emphasized the current legal status of the land. In his formal warning letter, he reiterated this key point, stating, "The lands are under litigation and should remain untouched until the courts determine ownership." He further issued a direct and unequivocal warning to Alkalo Momodou Lungs Jarju, showing the potential legal ramifications of any interference. "I therefore, with all due respect, strictly warn you and whoever is associated with you to stop trespassing or interfering onto all parts of my land still under litigation until the cases are completed," Rongo asserted, making his position abundantly clear. He also showed his unwavering resolve to protect his claims and the integrity of the legal process, adding a stern caution: "I will take legal action against you and any of your associates without any further warning," signaling his readiness to pursue further legal recourse if necessary. Rongo has consistently stated his commitment to resolving the dispute entirely through the courts, trusting the judicial system to deliver a definitive resolution.
Alleged Interference and Youth Occupancy
Momodou L. Jarju, who is known professionally as Rongo, is not only identified as an artist but also as a dedicated farmer and a careful historian, roles that deeply inform his connection to the land and its heritage. He has specifically alleged attempts to allocate portions of the disputed land to third parties, actions he claims have occurred despite the ongoing and active court proceedings, which he views as a direct challenge to the legal process. Rongo claimed that Alkalo Momodou Lungs Jarju convened a meeting concerning the land, not at the traditional and publicly accessible village bantaba, but rather at his private residence. This choice of venue, Rongo suggests, raises questions about transparency and proper community engagement in matters concerning communal resources.
Rongo has repeatedly stated that the lands remain firmly under litigation, emphasizing the legal hold on the property. "The lands are under litigation and should remain untouched until the courts determine ownership," he said, reiterating a core tenet of his legal argument. He further issued a direct and unambiguous warning to Alkalo Momodou Lungs Jarju regarding the ongoing dispute, making his stance on any interference clear. "I therefore, with all due respect, strictly warn you and whoever is associated with you to stop trespassing or interfering onto all parts of my land still under litigation until the cases are completed," Rongo asserted, leaving no room for misinterpretation. He also emphasized his unwavering commitment to defending his claims through legal means, adding a definitive statement: "I will take legal action against you and any of your associates without any further warning," noting his readiness to escalate legal action if his warning is disregarded.
In a separate but related development, Rongo has taken the proactive step of granting permission for youths to establish small businesses on specific parts of the disputed land. He clarified that this decision was made primarily on humanitarian grounds, aiming to provide opportunities for local young people. He has been particularly insistent on his stance regarding this arrangement, unequivocally stating that he has never demanded, nor will he demand, any form of payment from the youths for occupying these plots. He views this as a gesture of support for the community's younger generation. Rongo also claimed that a recent gathering, which he alleges was orchestrated by the Alkalo, specifically sought to remove these young people whom he had allowed to temporarily occupy portions of the disputed land. This alleged attempt to displace the youths further complicates the already sensitive land dispute. Among those granted permission, Alieu Jeng was the first individual Rongo permitted to establish a welding workshop on the property, marking a concrete example of this initiative. The historical context of community organization in the area includes the establishment of the original Village Development Committee (VDC) for Banjulunding in 2006, which typically plays a role in local land management and development.
Formal Warning and Legal Stance
Artist Momodou L. Jarju, known as 'Rongo', continues to stress that ownership of the land remains deeply contested before the courts. He firmly stated, "The lands are under litigation and should remain untouched until the courts determine ownership," a declaration that forms the cornerstone of his current legal strategy. Rongo has consistently emphasized his unwavering commitment to resolving the entire dispute through the established legal system, rather than through extra-judicial means. He issued a direct and unambiguous warning to Alkalo Momodou Lungs Jarju, reiterating his firm position: "I therefore, with all due respect, strictly warn you and whoever is associated with you to stop trespassing or interfering onto all parts of my land still under litigation until the cases are completed." Rongo further asserted his determination to protect his claims and the integrity of the land, adding, "I will take legal action against you and any of your associates without any further warning," signaling his readiness to pursue all available legal avenues to uphold his asserted rights. This formal warning letter serves as a critical document, reinforcing Rongo's legal position and his intent to ensure due process is followed in resolving the long-standing land dispute in Banjulunding.