The Gambian government has not issued any further press releases regarding the Senegal border demarcation, prompting calls for greater transparency and proactive engagement from Halifa Sallah. Sallah emphasized the importance of addressing border issues urgently to prevent rumors and potential escalation. "No further press release has been issued by the Government of The Gambia on the subject matter. Silence is not helpful when dealing with such matters. Rumours could inflame," Sallah stated, noting investigations by Foroyaa revealed Senegalese military and regional authorities have contacted Gambian citizens about encroachment. He urged the government to establish a legal and technical team to prepare a framework for demarcation, stressing that agreements require National Assembly ratification. "The government needs immediately set up a strong legal and technical team capable of preparing the legal and technical framework for the demarcation of the border." Such a team is essential to navigate the complexities of international boundary setting and ensure a clear, legally sound resolution.
Border Engagement and Incidents
Military personnel from Senegal and certain regional authorities have engaged with Gambian citizens at various points along the border. These discussions have focused on matters concerning alleged encroachment into Senegalese territory. These interactions have primarily involved dialogue rather than coercion. Apart from a specific incident reported in Bulock, there has been no information indicating forceful attempts by Senegalese authorities to impose their will on Gambian citizens. The interactions largely involve discussions regarding land use and the perceived boundaries between the two nations, noting the ongoing local-level engagement on these sensitive issues. These engagements highlight the direct contact occurring at the local level concerning the undemarcated border areas, showing the immediate need for a formalized demarcation process.
Establishing Legal Frameworks
Halifa Sallah of The Gambia has emphasized the immediate need for the government to establish a strong legal and technical team. This team would be tasked with preparing the necessary legal and technical framework for the border's demarcation. Sallah indicated that the initial step in this process involves relying on international law to precisely identify the starting and ending points of the borders between The Gambia and Senegal. This foundational step is key for ensuring that any subsequent demarcation is based on established legal principles and precedents. He further stated that the government must be prepared to mobilize expertise to ensure the border is scientifically demarcated, aligning with international legal requirements. This scientific approach is vital for accuracy and to prevent future disputes. Sallah noted that while Section 79 of the Constitution grants the government the authority to initiate agreements, empowering it to begin negotiations and draft treaties, these agreements cannot be finalized without ratification by the National Assembly. This constitutional provision ensures parliamentary oversight and public accountability in significant international agreements.
Ratification and Demarcation Process
The mapping of the border must be formalized within an agreement, which then requires submission to both The Gambia's and Senegal's National Assemblies for ratification. This legislative step is essential to ensure the agreement holds the force of law in both nations. This process is key for officially recognizing and implementing any agreed-upon demarcation, providing a legal basis for the boundary. The agreement, once ratified, would become a binding international instrument, establishing clear and undisputed borders between The Gambia and Senegal. The ratification by the respective National Assemblies would transform the technical mapping into a binding legal instrument, establishing clear and undisputed borders between The Gambia and Senegal, thereby preventing future ambiguities and potential conflicts. This full approach, combining legal, technical, and legislative steps, is deemed vital for a lasting resolution to the border issue.