The Senegalese Armed Forces recently dismantled portions of the perimeter fence at The Gambia's Bulock Military Post, prompting a strong response from the People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS). PDOIS declared The Gambia's territorial integrity non-negotiable, stating, "Any claim by a foreign state over Gambian land must be subjected to law, historical evidence, and bilateral agreements." The opposition party emphasized the urgency for Gambian and Senegalese authorities to meet and demarcate their shared boundaries.
Senegalese Forces Demolish Fence
Senegalese authorities have stated that the area in question, where the Bulock Military Post's perimeter fence was located, falls within Senegalese territory. The demolition of parts of the fence by the Senegalese Armed Forces occurred in the Foni Berefet District of The Gambia. This action prompted strong condemnation from The Gambia's People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS). The Senegalese claim challenges the Gambian assertion of sovereignty over the specific land where the military post is situated. The ongoing dispute shows the necessity for both nations to engage in discussions regarding their shared border. The PDOIS has urged for a diplomatic resolution to fully demarcate the boundaries between The Gambia and Senegal.
PDOIS Demands Non-Negotiable Integrity
The People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) released its statement on July 18, 2026, strongly asserting that The Gambia's territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The party's firm stance came in response to the recent demolition of parts of the perimeter fence at The Gambia's Bulock Military Post by the Senegalese Armed Forces. This action occurred in the Foni Berefet District of The Gambia, an area over which Senegal claims sovereignty. PDOIS emphasized that any claim by a foreign state over Gambian land must be substantiated by law, historical evidence, and bilateral agreements.
The opposition party called for an urgent meeting between Gambian and Senegalese authorities to address the contentious issue and facilitate the full demarcation of their shared boundaries. The Senegalese authorities' claim challenges The Gambia's assertion of sovereignty over the specific land where the military post is situated, noting the need for a diplomatic resolution. PDOIS showed the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation and ensure the peaceful coexistence of the two West African nations.
Call for Urgent Boundary Demarcation
The People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) stated its belief that colonial-era borders are a significant source of conflict across Africa. The party emphasized that the territorial integrity of The Gambia is non-negotiable, asserting, "Any claim by a foreign state over Gambian land must be subjected to law, historical evidence, and bilateral agreements." PDOIS showed the urgent need for The Gambia and Senegal to demarcate their shared boundaries. "The point is we do not know what we own and therefore do not know what we are to defend," PDOIS stated, adding, "It is urgent for the Gambian and Senegalese authorities to sit at the table and go to the field to demarcate the boundaries that separate the two countries."
PDOIS advocated for a diplomatic resolution, proposing the establishment of a Joint Boundary Commission. "Acts of intimidation or harassment of one country by another is not a solution to border a dispute. It can only lead to tension or armed confrontation," the party warned, stressing that such actions contradict the spirit of African unity. PDOIS welcomed the intention to consult historical records and elders, but insisted this "must be done urgently through a transparent Joint Boundary Commission with clear timelines, parliamentary oversight, and regular public updates." Should negotiations fail, PDOIS suggested third-party arbitration via the International Court of Justice or the African Court of Justice in Arusha, Tanzania, with binding decisions.
Finally, PDOIS urged the Gambian government to act decisively, transparently, and in full consultation with the people and the National Assembly, not only for the Bulock dispute but for all border issues. "Finally, since the contested areas between The Gambia and Senegal are many, PDOIS calls on the two governments to explore diplomacy to end the border crisis through a Joint Commission comprising technical teams to physically demarcate borders, to avoid unnecessary and continuous confrontations in the interests of our two countries and peoples, whose relationships transcends mere artificial land boundaries."
