The Foni Berefet District Tribunal adjourned a land dispute case between Lalo Badjie of Somita Village and Dodou Tamba of Kanaw Village on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, at the tribunal in Somita Village. The hearing continued on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, at the tribunal in Somita Village, addressing the ongoing disagreement over land ownership. Chief Camara announced that another visit would be conducted to inspect the disputed land before proceedings continue. Dodou Tamba denied refusing to cooperate, stating to the tribunal that "since Lalo Badjie had taken the matter to court and claimed knowledge of the land, it was the plaintiff who should identify the disputed area." The tribunal adjourned the matter until next Wednesday for a further hearing.
Dispute Over Land Identification
District Chief Alhagie Junkung Camara told the tribunal that an earlier attempt to identify the disputed area had been unsuccessful. District Chief Alhagie Junkung Camara had initiated this earlier attempt to locate the precise boundaries of the contested land. A team comprising Mamudou Badjie and Sampa Sanyang had been dispatched for this purpose. The Chief stated to the tribunal that the mission failed because Dodou Tamba allegedly refused to show the survey team the location of the land. This alleged refusal was a point of contention during the tribunal's proceedings.
However, Dodou Tamba denied refusing to cooperate with the survey team. He told the tribunal that "since Lalo Badjie had taken the matter to court and claimed knowledge of the land, it was the plaintiff who should identify the disputed area." Tamba's statement implied that the responsibility for pinpointing the exact location of the disputed land lay with the plaintiff, Lalo Badjie. Panel member Mbemba Jarju questioned Tamba about a specific bush area where Kanaw residents had previously farmed. Mbemba Jarju's line of questioning sought to establish the historical usage of the land in question. Tamba confirmed that the area had been used by the community and that parts served as grazing land for livestock belonging to residents of Kanaw Village. This confirmation provided insight into the long-standing use of the land by the Kanaw community.
Ownership Claims and Legal Precedents
Mbemba Jarju, a panel member, reminded the parties involved that a person’s claim to ownership could be affected if land remained undeveloped or unfarmed for seven years. This legal precedent noted the importance of active land use in maintaining ownership rights. Lalo Badjie, who is 74 years old, was born in Somita Village. Claims were presented during the proceedings suggesting that Lalo Badjie's father had never cultivated the disputed land. These claims aimed to challenge the historical basis of Lalo Badjie's ownership assertion, suggesting a lack of prior cultivation by his family. The tribunal considered these arguments as part of the broader assessment of ownership.
Call for Peace and Order
District Chief Alhagie Junkung Camara appealed to the residents of Kanaw Village, urging them to maintain peace and order regarding the land dispute. Chief Camara warned that unlawful actions concerning the disputed land would not be accepted. He emphasized the importance of adhering to legal processes and avoiding any actions that could escalate tensions. Chief Camara's warning showed the tribunal's commitment to ensuring a peaceful resolution. Representing the Kanaw community, Suwaibu Tamba apologised for the conduct of some villagers. Tamba stated that their "behaviour was influenced by anger and was not deliberate," offering an explanation for any disruptive actions. Additionally, Modou Lamin Sanyang advised the people of Kanaw Village to clearly identify the specific areas they claim ownership of before the upcoming hearing. This advice was key for facilitating a more focused and productive discussion in the next session. The tribunal's decision to adjourn until next Wednesday will allow for further inspection and preparation from all parties involved.